WASHINGTON — "This was the first pope I've seen in person," Georgia State Rep. Calvin Smyre said Wednesday. "It was an awesome experience."

As president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the Democratic legislator from Columbus attended the White House welcome for Pope Benedict XVI on this sunny weekday morning where tens of thousands of people turned out to see the pontiff.

"I was blessed to be able to witness such a ceremony," said Smyre, a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to the Holy Father who turned 81 on Wednesday. It was an historic event, Smyre said, explaining that this was only the second time a pope has visited the grounds of the White House. The other time was in 1979 when Pope John Paul visited then-president Jimmy Carter.

Smyre was among a crowd of 13,500 people who gathered on the South Lawn of the White House to see the pontiff on his first full day of his initial trip to the United States since becoming the spiritual leader of the world's Roman Catholics. Those include 25 percent of America's Christians, noted Smyre.

"Here in America you'll find a nation of prayer," President Bush told the pope. "Each day, millions of our citizens approach our maker on bended knee, seeking his grace and giving thanks for the many blessings he bestows upon us. Millions of Americans have been praying for your visit. And millions look forward to praying with you this week."

"America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development, and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes," said the Pope. "I am confident that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression and support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress."

Smyre said he was inspired by the Pope's words.

"Spirituality inspires us through it all," he said. It was "very touching" to hear the words about "doing good works, providing for your fellow man, and also (showing) tolerence."

"I've been in public office for 34 years," said the veteran Georgia legislator. "Having the opportunity to be there has to be a highlight."