Minnesota’s 1st District Congressman Tim Walz described the feeling among the people in the National Mall as one of optimism, determination, and of course, hope, during President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Walz, who was re-elected to his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives in November, had the opportunity to attend what is being deemed as a historic inauguration. He said the event was his most memorable experience yet out of all other events he’s been to since he was elected to office.

“I can tell you from looking down that mall at an estimated 2 million people, it was definitely historic,” said Walz, a former public school teacher, who is a Democrat.

While there was a lot of talk about hope, it was more about inspiring people to give something more, he said.

“There’s a real renewed sense that if all of us pull together for the common good, we can overcome these things,” Walz said.

While some might see inaugurations as times to show a political victory, this one was bigger than that, he said.

“I was humbled today by the words of President Obama as he began this new chapter in American history, not with overstated optimism or exaggerated bravado, but with clarity of purpose, confidence in our shared dream, and recognition of our challenging circumstances,” Walz said. He noted he “couldn’t have been more pleased” with the new president’s speech.

“I think he hit that tone just right where we need to go,” the congressman said.

He described the experience of being up on the podium as “amazing” and “surreal” as five former presidents and the U.S. Supreme Court justices walked by. But it struck him profoundly when he looked out over all the people in the National Mall, that what was happening that day was not about what was happening on the podium but instead about what was happening in the mall with all the people.

Obama understands that it needs to be about the people, Walz said.

“Average Americans have longed to be called to action, to be called into the service of their country,” he said. “Today, President Obama reaffirmed the call of presidents-past for citizens to serve their communities and their country.”

The retired National Guard Command Sgt. Major, said now that Obama is officially in office, he will first move toward stimulating the economy and focusing on jobs at home, before shifting foreign issues. He will also work toward changing things with the country’s health care system, he said.

“It has really been an American gathering … ” Walz said, re-emphasizing his amazement with the crowd. “It’s a profound gathering of differences across the country.”

After the inauguration ceremony, Walz hosted a reception in his office for people from the district who had come to witness the event. That reception in itself was one of the highlights of the last few days, he said. It gave him the chance to interact with people across the district and to hear their views about what they experienced.

“It’s quite a moving experience,” he said.