Michelle and Barack Obama were two of several esteemed guests at today’s inauguration ceremony (Jan. 20), where Joe Biden and Kamala Harris officially became president and vice president. The former first lady, who advocated tirelessly for Biden and Harris throughout the 2020 election, reflected on what their inauguration means to the country in an Instagram post.

“Today is the day. After a disturbing era of chaos and division, we are entering the next chapter of American leadership with the inauguration of [Joe Biden] and [Kamala Harris],” she wrote, posting a photo from when her husband, Barack, was inaugurated for his first presidential term in 2008.

“Right now, I’m feeling more than just relief at putting the past four years behind us,” she added. “I’m feeling genuinely hopeful for what’s to come. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the kind of leaders our nation deserves — decent, hardworking people who reflect the best of our values.”

“Most of all, they’re guided by empathy, honesty and a willingness to put the needs of our country before their own,” she continued. “They’re determined to make life better for all Americans, and I know they will bring us back the stability that has been sorely lacking through what has been a devastating pandemic.”

Elsewhere in her post, Mrs. Obama acknowledged “that the work ahead will be challenging” and, she admitted, “no one person, even a president, is capable of waving a magic wand and fixing the problems that persist in this country.”

“But this past year I’ve seen folks from all over America step up like never before, whether it was peacefully protesting against racial injustice, registering first-time voters, or simply making sure a neighbor could safely get their groceries,” she said. “It feels like we might finally be getting some momentum.”

In a tweet, Barack also celebrated Biden’s inauguration.

“Congratulations to my friend, President [Joe Biden],” he wrote. “This is your time.”

See Michelle’s full post below.