CHICAGO | It was a night of history, excitement and diversity at Grant Park in Chicago when Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama was declared the next president of the United States.

Thousands of supporters waited anxiously just to get a glimpse of Obama and hear his first words as president-elect.

Nick Reget, of Chicago, waited in line to see Obama for several hours and did not expect to leave the rally quickly with such large crowds present.

“It’s going to be a really long night,” Regent said.

Even those not yet old enough to vote endured the lines to support Obama.

“We had to wait two hours to get through,” said 9-year-old Alex Rich-Micheal. For Rich-Micheal, the long wait was worth it.

“I hope he wins,” she said. “I want him to end the war in Iraq.”

Supporters had a strong sense of victory in the early hours of the rally.

Janis Strong, of Chicago, said she had no doubts Obama would win.

Before this election, she also never thought a black president would be elected in her lifetime.

“It has been a dream come true,” she said. “The diversity of the crowd just leaves me speechless.”

When Obama was declared the winner, many were in tears.

“I’m very emotional. I don’t know why I feel this way, but I feel like crying,” said Rosanne Lynch, of Chicago. “It’s a very, very joyful moment.”

Obama’s victory also offered supporters a chance to forget about the past and look to the future.

“It’s a wonderful follow-up after the crappy eight years we just had,” said Marissa Sims, of Chicago.