Some cried in joy, others cheered loudly. All along the Grand Strand at midday Tuesday, residents hovered around TVs in homes, churches, restaurants and offices to witness history being made 400 miles away in Washington, D.C., as Barack Obama became president.

Here's a glimpse at how the Grand Strand ushered in the Obama era and what the moment meant for residents.

'Celebration of change'

Louella Burgess, normally an early riser, woke up at 3 a.m. Tuesday, eager for the day to begin. "This is so exciting. It's a special day," she said. "I am so blessed to be able to see this."

At her cozy Canal Street house in Myrtle Beach, she was ready for her son and daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to come over, settle in and watch Barack Obama take the oath of office as the country's 44th president.

"This is a great day," Louella's son Frank Burgess said. "This is such a great country. In many places, a transition of power like this is violent, but our transition is a real celebration of change. It says a lot about the American people."

Read the complete story at myrtlebeachonline.com