Barack Obama stood at the threshold of the White House yesterday, summoning fellow Americans to join him in service as tens of thousands flocked to the nation's capital to celebrate his inauguration as the first black president.

"Tomorrow we will come together as one people on the same Mall where Dr. King's dream echoes still," said the president-elect, invoking the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the national holiday in his honor.

The 47-year-old former senator takes office at noon today at a time of economic crisis at home and two wars overseas.

But the challenges of the moment receded into the background for many who came for a chance to witness history.

"I didn't think I would see a black president in my generation. I just had to be here," said Donald Butler, 20, a University of Washington student.

ISLANDERS ATTEND INAUGURATION

The Advance has been chronicling the travels of Staten Islanders in Washington this week for the inauguration on SILive.com.

Here are a few of their stories:

Maneuvering in and out of Washington isn't an easy task this week, but one Staten Island party implemented a strategy that paid off with a smooth ride yesterday morning.

"We just left ahead of everyone else," said Rev. Dr. Victor Brown, the pastor of Mount Sinai United Christian Church, Tompkinsville. Rev. Brown began his drive to D.C. at 3 a.m., joined by Staten Island attorney Duane C. Felton, and his son, Duane L. Felton.

After getting some much needed rest upon their 6:30 a.m. arrival, Brown and his party set out for an evening in Washington.

Meanwhile, Staten Islander James Garcia likes the rock band U2.

That's why the senior at St. Peter's High School - who was invited to Washington as part of the Presidential Youth Leadership Conference - listed seeing the rock band perform at the musical extravaganza at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday as one of the early highlights of his trip.

"I'm a huge U2 fan and I've never seen them live," he said. "It was moving."

Moving, but not nearly the only pre-inauguration highlight of his trip. The Westerleigh resident was raving about the George Washington Mount Vernon experience when the Advance caught up with him yesterday afternoon.

"It's a really cool place," he said. "They have actual artifacts of the presidents. Chairs that were in their houses."

Michael Pinto, a junior from Wagner College, spoke about the wave of enthusiasm and optimism sweeping through Washington ahead of tomorrow's ceremony.

Pinto is one of about 650 students from around the country in D.C. this week through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.

U.S. flags and pennants line Pennsylvania Avenue and federal buildings, and stores have signs welcoming the Obamas, observed Michael in an e-mail sent to the Advance yesterday afternoon.

Advance staff writer

Today's word RECEDED - To fade or disappear.

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