President Obama speaks to Then-Egyptian President Mubarak by Phone (Photo by Pete Souza, White House)

President Barack Obama compared Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's resignation to such milestones in history as the fall of the Berlin Wall and Gandhi leading his people into the street.

"Although the sights and sounds we heard were Egyptian, we can't help but hear the echoes of history," Obama said. "Like Martin Luther King said in Ghana...'There's something in the soul that cries for freedom.'"

Obama encouraged the military to be the acting force in the coming days with Egypt's political future unceertain.

"The Egyptian military acted patriotically and responsibly," Obama said. "They need to assure a transition that is credible in the eyes of the people. Protecting the people, lifting the emergency law, revising the constitution and laying out a clear path to elections that are fair and free."

Obama also said the democracy to come in Egypt must be all inclusive to work.

"Above all, it must bring all of Egypt's voices to the table," Obama said.

President Obama was also optimistic about the United States' role in Egypt's future.

"The United States will continue to be a friend and a partner," Obama said. "We stand ready to provide whatever help or aid to pursue the transition to democracy."

Meanwhile, the streets continued to erupt in celebration after it was announced that Mubarak would step down. The night skies lit up with fireworks.

"There are very few moments in our lives where we have the privilege to witness history taking place," Obama said. "This is one of those moments. This is one of those times...today is a day that belongs to Egypt."

Egyptian protesters, many of whom camped out overnight at demonstration locations, filled the streets of Cairo and other cities Friday morning to continue their demand for regime change. Their wishes were finally fulfilled. 

Mubarak pulled the rug out from under protesters Thursday when he announced that he would not resign until the September elections. Many had expected him to announce his resignation Thursday. Egyptian military officials allegedly circulated rumors in Tahrir Square that Thursday would be the day their demands were met.

Obama had been criticized for what many commentators have referred to as his timid initial response to the Egyptian protests calling for Mubarak’s immediate ouster. He was accused of standing by a man whom activists refer to as a dictator ruling his country with an iron fist.

This week, though, the President’s tune changed when he demanded that the Egyptian government begin to immediately change hands. When the demonstrations turned violent last week the administration came out to condemn the attacks on peaceful gatherings.

The violence escalated when pro-Mubarak protesters – who were allegedly thugs of the Egyptian government – descended on anti-government demonstrators and began attacking with whips and sticks while the army stood by and watched.

“Egypt now has a really precious opportunity” for a truly open and free democratic society, said British Prime minister David Cameron. He pledged that Britain would support any democratic actions taken by the Egyptian people. Those sentiments, according to CNN, were echoed by the German government.