The 2009 Inauguration Day Schedule

The big day is upon us.  Tuesday, January 20, 2009 President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as the nation’s 44th President of the United States of America.

Below we have a list of inauguration day scheduled events:

8 a.m.- Security gates will be opened for the inaugural festivities. Ticket holders are advised to arrive early to avoid last minute confusion.

10 a.m.- This is when the inaugural ceremony officially begins. It will be located on the West Front of the U.S. Capital.

The United States Marine Band will play selections, followed by the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

Senator Dianne Feinstein will call to order and deliver the welcoming remarks.

Rev. Rick Warren will deliver the Invocation.

Aretha Franklin performs a musical selection. Aretha reportedly performed at Bill Clinton’s first inauguration.

Joe Biden will be sworn into office by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

This third musical selection will be played by composer John Williams, violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Gabriela Montero and clarinetist Anthony McGill.

12:00 p.m.- Obama will take the Oath of Office, he will use the bible that Abraham Lincoln used for his inauguration. This will be administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.

Obama gives the inaugural address. There has been much speculation on what topics Obama will touch upon in his inaugural address.

The inaugural address is followed by a poem that is penned and recited by Elizabeth Alexander.

The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery will follow-up with the benediction.

To closeout the ceremony the National Anthem will be played by The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanters.”

After President Obama gives the inaugural address, he will escort former President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony at the capitol and then he will attend a luncheon at in the Capitol’s sanctuary hall.

The Inaugural Parade will commence down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.

Here is a list of the 10 official inaugural balls the Presidential Inaugural Committee will host later:
1. Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
2.Obama Home States Inaugural Ball
3. Biden Home States Inaugural Ball
4. Midwest Inaugural Ball
5. Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball
6. Western Inaugural Ball
7. Commander in Chief’s Ball
8. Southern Inaugural Ball
9. Eastern Inaugural Ball
10. Youth Inaugural Ball

Thanks so much to Lori over at Daily News and Views for contributing!

photo: Wenn.com