Today's inauguration had special meaning for some older residents in our area, partly because seniors know change when they see it.

Over the years, they've served as witnesses to history and in some cases, participated in major events. And this afternoon, one long-time Gainesville resident said the inauguration of Barack Obama topped her list.

Eighty five year old Sallie Hollis was so excited about Barack Obama's inauguration that she could hardly sit still.

"I knew it was coming. If you see where I come along, you know things got to change," Hollis said.

Although she said she knew this would happen, she never thought it would in her lifetime.

"I'm just so thankful to be here to see it," Hollis said.

Hollis and other seniors at the Boltin Center share a sense of gratitude, pride and confidence that America's first black president will succeed.