“WE woke up at three (am) but it’s worth it. I think it’s history on its way. We just want to be there celebrating.” — Mary Lloyd on the National Mall

“I’m happy, I’m cold and I’m celebrating.” — Hollywood star Denzel Washington, smiling for pictures alongside fans

My mother “never thought she would see this. I am here for all the floors she has cleaned and waxed. I am here for her, and every time that she was called a nigger that is how I see this, as an American.” — Renita King, 46, from Houston, Texas

“I feel blessed to be here, to live to see it ... I’ve marched, I’ve been jailed, I’ve been hosed down, dog bitten just for the right to vote.” — Marion Jones, 60, in Chicago who was doubtful she would see an African-American president in her lifetime.

“It’s a historical occasion, a milestone in race relations in the US ...The hopes of my ancestors have been realized, their efforts have been rewarded and the prayers have been answered.” — Fred Phillips, 62, from Washington, DC

“You can feel the sense of unity. It’s uplifting.” — Don, 50, from Glendale, Arizona, a Republican

“It took us three hours to walk four blocks.” — Kitty, inaugural parade volunteer

“We were in the holding pen for a good couple of hours, mashed in like sardines ... When we finally got through, it really was free at last, free at last!” — Pamela Jones, 58, from White Plains, New York, sitting on the parade route

“Where is global warming when you need it?” — Jason Chang of New York as the crowds braved freezing temperatures

“Close Guantanamo. It’s a blemish on this country. It goes against all that we stand for.” — Washington resident Francis Coates, 67, asked about the first thing Obama should do

“It’s like the whole world is watching. We’ll all get to be stars for about five minutes.” — Michael Woodruff, 43, officer in charge of marching unit from the District of Columbia National Guard

Outgoing President George W. Bush “gave me a big kiss on the forehead, which I will never forget.” — White House spokeswoman Dana Perino.—AFP