Inauguration '09: Obama Set For Victory Throng

NPR.org, January 19, 2009 ·
In Washington, Inauguration Day 2009 is going to be big, crowded, cold, confusing, exasperating and exhilarating. It's a celebration of democracy and a historic changing of the guard as Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States — and the first president of color.
The forecast is calling for high temps to hover around freezing. By noon — the time when Obama takes the oath of office — the National Weather Service predicts it will be 30 degrees or so.

The frigid air should make for a cold parade from the Capitol to the White House. The Obamas' new abode should be very warm and welcoming by contrast.
In the morning, the president-elect will attend a morning church service. The incoming chief executive then traditionally drops by the White House, for a tete-a-tete with outgoing Pres. George W. Bush, before riding to the Capitol for the swearing-in.

Beginning around 10 a.m. according to the official inauguration Web site, there will be a celebration on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. Sometime during the festivities, uber soul queen Aretha Franklin and composer John Williams — with cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman — will entertain.
The official swearing-in ceremony begins at 11 a.m. with the much-anticipated invocation by Rev. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose-Driven Life. Vice President Joe Biden will be sworn in. Then Obama, placing his hand on the same Bible used by Abraham Lincoln, will take the oath around noontime.

Following Obama's inaugural address, writer Elizabeth Alexander will read a poem. Civil rights beacon Rev. Joseph Lowery will deliver a benediction. Then the United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters" are scheduled to sing the National Anthem.
A helicopter is scheduled to whisk away President Bush and his wife, Laura.
An inaugural lunch for the new president follows the speech. Then the 56th Inaugural Parade will begin to flow from the Capitol to the White House. The parade usually starts about 2:30. Among the participants: Dancing Eskimos. Azalea Trail Maids and the Bonnie Brae Knights drum corps.

At night, there are 10 official balls. The Obamas plan to stop by each one.
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