WESTMORELAND, N.Y. (WKTV) - Some estimates says 4 million people will be in Washington, D.C. to witness the swearing in of the first African-American president.

Those that are lucky enough to be among that number will become a part of history themselves, including a group of students from Westmoreland.

Westmoreland's U.S History Teacher Dawn Lane and some of the 41 students about to embark trip of a lifetime, to see the first African-American sworn into the presidency - a trip that has been planned before the first voters submitted their ballots.

"We knew it would be historic any which way, and so we said we have to be there - we have to go," Lane said.

The students are excited, but we wanted to know if they truly understand what their memories and experiences of the day will mean to future generations.

"I don't think I will really be able to take it all in until I am actually there and watching him - hearing him...just being in his presence," said Christina Muggeo, a student.

"For the rest of my life I am always going to look back," said Ryan Murphy, another student. "This was historical - I was there."

"I don't honestly think I can grasp it until I'm there," said student Deanna Cucharale. "It will be overwhelming and a lot to take in."

Maybe too young to really understand the magnitude of it all, but Lane says one reason for going is what the students will learn in due time.

"This is stuff they going to be telling their grand kids," Lane said. "Their equating it to the people who say 'I listened to Martin Luther King' - this is going to be the same 'wow' factor."

Although the Westmoreland crew does not have tickets to the event they will be witnessing the inauguration from the National Mall with, of course, millions of others.