Obama: Sotomayor's Rise an 'Inspiration for Generations'

President Obama today celebrated the rise of Sonia Sotomayor to become the Supreme Court's newest member and first Hispanic, hailing her story and achievement as an inspiration for generations. "When Justice Sotomayor put her hand on that Bible and took that oath ... we came yet another step to the more perfect union that we all seek," Obama told a White House reception for Sotomayor.

The gathering was packed with her family and friends, as well as the lawmakers, advocates, Hispanic community leaders and others who helped shepherd her confirmation through the Senate. "Because while this is Justice Sotomayor's achievement, the result of her ability and determination, this moment is not just about her. It's about every child who will grow up thinking to him- or herself, ‘If Sonia Sotomayor can make it, then maybe I can too.’" (More Sonia Sotomayor stories.)