'I'm Really Proud For The Country': NYC Celebrates Historic Inauguration Day, Native New Yorkers' Appearances During Ceremony
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- On this historic Inauguration Day, many in New York City were out celebrating the 46th president, and there were moments throughout the ceremony that left New Yorkers beaming with pride.
The swearing in of now President Joe Biden led to cheers erupting across New York City -- from apartment balconies to a West Village watch party.
"It's emotional. It's exciting," said Elizabeth Green, the owner of the restaurant "Planted."
She wanted to indulge in this moment in true restaurant fashion.
"We named a couple of dishes, Biden Bowl and Kamala Melt. We got into it. We wanted to be a part of it," Green told CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis.
PHOTO GALLERY -- Scenes From The Inauguration Of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris
As did TriBeCa resident Lisa Resnick, who popped in to listen to the president's message of unity.
"Everybody's sort of broken apart and it's not just a Band-Aid that's gonna fix this. It's gonna be a lot of people pulling together and unified effort, and I think between him and Harris, they're gonna make it happen," she said.
It was a small party but a big moment for friends witnessing history together.
"Today's gonna be the first day that we're gonna have a female vice president. I'm really proud for the country. I'm proud for minorities," Upper West Side resident Preeta Sinha said.
Watch Jenna DeAngelis' report --
Not everyone, however, was celebrating a new president.
"I think Trump did good at delivering on his promises. I think a lot of us were hoping to see four more years of him," said Marc, of Fort Lee, New Jersey.
There were moments during the inauguration that stood out specifically for people CBS2 spoke to in the Bronx.
"The one thing I loved was to see JLo on stage," Bronx resident Sharon Walker said.
Especially seeing the Bronx native incorporate Spanish in her patriotic medley.
"A little girl from the Bronx with a big dream, and she got there," Walker said.
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As did the Bronx's Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, administering the vice-presidential oath to Kamala Harris, also a woman of many firsts.
"It's empowering. It's more than empowering, it makes me want to get out there and do something, too," Bronx resident Siri Ojeda said.
"There was huge representation from New York," one woman told CBS2's Cory James.
"It's just a really great moment, especially being a New Yorker," one man said.
Manhattan's Lady Gaga also performed the national anthem.
"I think Lady Gaga is a representation for a lot of, like, the LGBTQ community, so that was nice to see," Brooklyn resident Chelsie Hicks said. "Jennifer Lopez, she represented with the Latinas because she said her little Spanish piece."
RELATED STORY -- Bronx School's Inauguration Watch Party Leaves Students Awestruck And Eager To Take Part In Democracy
The representation also involved New York designers.
Bronx native Ralph Lauren had two of his suits worn by President Joe Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff during the inauguration.
Alexandra O'Neil is also one of the local stylists.
"It was a total surprise," she said.
Last December, her label Markarian started working with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden on an inauguration outfit, but she didn't know it was going to be picked for the special day.
"So we were shocked this morning, totally thrilled. It's such a surreal moment," O'Neil said. "We chose the color blue because I think it's a very soothing color, and it signifies trust, stability and confidence. And I think that was a nice message to get across today."
RELATED STORY -- First Lady Dr. Jill Biden Wears Outfit Custom Designed By NYC-Based Label On Inauguration Day
Vice President Kamala Harris also wore a New York-based designer's jacket and dress. Harris has worn the color purple in the past in a nod to Shirley Chisholm and women's suffrage.
Wednesday, Christopher John Rogers' team chose not to comment, saying they wanted "to keep the focus on the importance of today's inauguration."
The designer did, however, thank the vice president on social media, adding he is honored and humbled.
A monumental day leaving a mark on many in the borough, this city and the country.
CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis and Cory James contributed to this report.
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