‘Defining moment’ arrives, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry says

Gov. Brad Henry calls Tuesday’s inauguration of Barack Obama a defining moment in American history and encourages Oklahomans to take time to watch at least part of the ceremony.

Henry, who supported Obama during last year’s presidential campaign, leaves today for Washington with first lady Kim Henry and their three children who are between the ages of 11 and 19.

The ceremony for Obama, who will be the first black president, is the first presidential inaugural event that Henry, Oklahoma’s governor since 2003, will attend.

"The inauguration of President Barack Obama represents just how far along our country has come in 230-plus years,” the governor said.

"It’s one of those moments like the first landing on the moon — I think people will talk about this ... for years and years and decades and maybe centuries to come.”

Henry said he’s excited his children will be able to witness the inauguration.

"It will be something that they will always remember and that they will talk to their children and grandchildren about,” he said.

Obama’s election has been compared with the 1960 election of President John F. Kennedy, who was the first president born in the 20th century to occupy the White House.

Obama’s ability to excite Americans, will be a catalyst for public service, he said, and can "change communities right here in our back yard.”

"I think it’s an exciting time,” Henry said.