Well we know some of the participants may not be everyone's cup of tea and the activities planned may not be as exciting as other Inaugurations for some, there are plenty of people who are looking forward to having a cause for celebration. I am so looking forward to the words: "Your Next President Barack Hussein Obama".
The organizers have prepared for millions of people who will brave the elements to stand at the National Mall to watch the Swearing-In Ceremony live on a jumbo-tron. A few lucky or well-connected folks actually got the tickets at the Capitol steps (I tried!). There are numerous Balls being given by organizations aside from the 'Official' first Ball. Tickets and invitations are required for these as well as other events such as the Parades. One very nice businessman/philanthropist is throwing the People's Ball for the working class and homeless - even including clothing and beauty services! The theme is "A New Birth of Freedom" which means the universe is not without a sense of irony.
Washington, D.C. is going to be a much colder but livelier Denver Convention experience I am certain. Restaurants and bars are planning on being open 24/7 and the Inauguration is the day after the MLK Holiday. Pretty much every hotel has long been sold out!
The deadline for requesting Media Credentials is today. A lot of us will just be glad to say it's the official end to the Bush/Cheney years! The surviving students who integrated public schools in Little Rock, AR and the Tuskegee Airmen will be in attendance. Be aware cell phone service might be a little spotty - unless you're watching from the comfort of your home.
Here's the schedule per the Washington Post:
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced today the schedule for the swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joseph Biden on Jan. 20. The ceremony traditionally begins around 10 a.m. and lasts for about two hours. Obama must be sworn in by noon.
Musical Selection
The United States Marine Band
Musical Selection
The San Francisco Boys & San Francisco Girls Chorus - yeah San Fran!!
Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein - could be our next Governor
Invocation
Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA - Boo!
Musical Selection
Aretha Franklin - we are hoping for a tasteful presentation
Oath of Office Administered to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
By Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
The Honorable John Paul Stevens
Musical Selection: John Williams, composer/arranger
Itzhak Perlman, Violin
Yo-Yo Ma, Cello
Gabriela Montero, Piano
Anthony McGill, Clarinet
Oath of Office Administered to President-elect Barack H. Obama
By the Chief Justice of the United States
The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.
Inaugural Address
The President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama
Poem
Elizabeth Alexander - Black Woman Poetess Extraordinaire!
Benediction
The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery - yeah!
The National Anthem
The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanter"
The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery - yeah!
The National Anthem
The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanter"
photo credit: 2001 Inauguration Wally McNamee
No comments:
Post a Comment