JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two area politicians who were at President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony Monday told Channel 4 they felt like they were part of history.
U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, R-Jacksonville, left Jacksonville Friday, along with hundreds of constituents. Many of those constituents were on their way home Monday night.
Meanwhile, State Rep. Mia Jones, R-Jacksonville, attended the swearing-in ceremony with more than 40 students from Raines High School.
"It has just been truly phenomenal to be here and be a part of this," Jones told Channel 4's Adrienne Moore. "To be able to say that I worked on that campaign and to say that I was a part of making history and getting him elected is something I will share with my family for generations to come."
Jones and the students were up early to get to the national mall and witness history. Jones said Obama's speech was deeply moving.
"The president seemed to have a firm belief and commitment to making sure we address the issues of the working class family and knowing the solution to the problems our country faces is within us. And hearing him say that made me believe that we will be able to look at things differently," said Jones.
Brown said the experience was a highlight in her political career and she's ready to put the president's words into action.
"(The speech) renewed spirit that America is a very great, great country -- one of the greatest countries in the history of the world," said Brown. "We shouldn't let our petty little difference stand in the way of what we need to do in order for America to go to the next level."