Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.
Obama chose the theme of "Renewing America's Promise" for this historic event. The complete list of events that led up to his Inauguration and the Inauguration Day events schedule are detailed below.
Photos of Barack Obama on Inauguration Day | Photos of Michelle Obama on Inauguration Day
Related: More About Barack Obama | More About Michelle Obama
He stopped in Wilmington, DE to pick up Vice President-Elect Joe Biden and for a celebration in Baltimore.
Bi-Partisan Dinners Honoring McCain, Powell, and Biden
A series of dinners honored these Americans and were hosted by the President-Elect. They took place at the National Building Museum, Hilton Washington, and Union Station, respectively. They were invitation only.
Kids' Inaugural Ball This was held at the Verizon Center and broadcast on the Disney Channel and Disney Radio. The broadcast time was 8 p.m. EST. Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Bow Wow to appear. Invitation only.
At the time of the inauguration, you could text the word "open" to 56333 to receive updates, directions, and additional info.
Inauguration 2009 Honorary Co-Chairs
INAUGURATION DAY - ORDER OF EVENTS
Formal Program began at 11:30 a.m. EST (approx.)
Musical Selections
The United States Marine Band
Musical Selections
The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus
Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
Invocation
Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA
Musical Selection
Aretha Franklin
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. | Related: Text of the Oath of Office
Inaugural Address - Complete Text
The President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama
Related: Barack Obama Speech about Abraham Lincoln |Key Obama Speeches
Poem
Elizabeth Alexander | Related: Inaugural Poem - Complete Text | Elizabeth Alexander Q & A About Poets in the Age of Obama
Benediction
The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
The National Anthem
The United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters"
Inaugural Luncheon
After the ceremony was completed, President Obama attended the traditional Inaugural Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol followed by the departure ceremony for George W. Bush. Neither was open to the public.
Inaugural Parade
After this luncheon, according to tradition, President Obama and Vice President Biden lead the Inaugural Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. The President, Vice President, and their wives and guests reviewed the parade from a special platform.
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
President Obama initiated this ball as the first-ever during an Inauguration. It was the "premiere" ball of the Inaugural Day evening events. It was held at the Washington Convention Center - Hall D. The ball included webcasting, text messaging and other interactive components. It was the first ball that Barack and Michelle attend. It was broadcast on ABC TV. Doors opened at 5 p.m. EST and the event began at 7 p.m. EST. Ticket were required.
Commander-in-Chief's Ball
This ball was held at the National Building Museum. Invited guests included enlisted active duty and reserve military. Tickets were required.
Youth Inaugural Ball
This ball was for Americans ages 18 to 35. It was held at the Washington Hilton. Tickets were required. Kanye West and Kid Rock headlined. It was broadcast on MTV at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PT.
Obama Home States Inaugural Ball
Invited Illinois and Hawaii friends and invited guests attended this ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall E.
Biden Home States Inaugural Ball
Invited Delaware and Pennsylvania guests attended at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Ballroom.
Eastern States Inaugural Ball Invited guests from CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, PR, and USVI celebrated at Union Station.
Midwestern States Ball
Was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall C.
Mid-Atlantic States Inaugural Ball
Invited guests from MD, VA, DC, NY, NJ, WV, and Dems Abroad at Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall A.
Southern States Inaugural Ball
Invited guests from AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, and TX celebrated at the National Guard Armory.
Western States Inaugural Ball
Invited guests from AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT, OK, GUAM/AS celebrated at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall B.
Obama chose the theme of "Renewing America's Promise" for this historic event. The complete list of events that led up to his Inauguration and the Inauguration Day events schedule are detailed below.
Photos of Barack Obama on Inauguration Day | Photos of Michelle Obama on Inauguration Day
Related: More About Barack Obama | More About Michelle Obama
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
President-Elect Barack Obama boarded a train in Philadelphia en route to DC for his inauguration.He stopped in Wilmington, DE to pick up Vice President-Elect Joe Biden and for a celebration in Baltimore.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18th
The Inauguration Opening Celebration took place on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and featured star performers like Mary J. Blige, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Herbie Hancock, Denzel Washington, and many more. It was free and open to the public. See photos from the historic concert.MONDAY, JANUARY 19th - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
President-Elect Obama transformed the MLK holiday into a national day of community service called "Renew America Together." They encouraged citizens to give back to the nation. Learn more at Renew America Together. Obama and Biden also attended a Community Service Day Lunch that was invitation only.Bi-Partisan Dinners Honoring McCain, Powell, and Biden
A series of dinners honored these Americans and were hosted by the President-Elect. They took place at the National Building Museum, Hilton Washington, and Union Station, respectively. They were invitation only.
Kids' Inaugural Ball This was held at the Verizon Center and broadcast on the Disney Channel and Disney Radio. The broadcast time was 8 p.m. EST. Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Bow Wow to appear. Invitation only.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20th - Inauguration Day
For the first time in history the entire length of the National Mall was open to the public to allow as many people as possible to participate. No tickets were required to view the ceremony on the National Mall west of 4th Street.At the time of the inauguration, you could text the word "open" to 56333 to receive updates, directions, and additional info.
Inauguration 2009 Honorary Co-Chairs
INAUGURATION DAY - ORDER OF EVENTS
Formal Program began at 11:30 a.m. EST (approx.)
Musical Selections
The United States Marine Band
Musical Selections
The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus
Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
Invocation
Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA
Musical Selection
Aretha Franklin
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. | Related: Text of the Oath of Office
Inaugural Address - Complete Text
The President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama
Related: Barack Obama Speech about Abraham Lincoln |Key Obama Speeches
Poem
Elizabeth Alexander | Related: Inaugural Poem - Complete Text | Elizabeth Alexander Q & A About Poets in the Age of Obama
Benediction
The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
The National Anthem
The United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters"
Inaugural Luncheon
After the ceremony was completed, President Obama attended the traditional Inaugural Luncheon at the U.S. Capitol followed by the departure ceremony for George W. Bush. Neither was open to the public.
Inaugural Parade
After this luncheon, according to tradition, President Obama and Vice President Biden lead the Inaugural Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. The President, Vice President, and their wives and guests reviewed the parade from a special platform.
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
President Obama initiated this ball as the first-ever during an Inauguration. It was the "premiere" ball of the Inaugural Day evening events. It was held at the Washington Convention Center - Hall D. The ball included webcasting, text messaging and other interactive components. It was the first ball that Barack and Michelle attend. It was broadcast on ABC TV. Doors opened at 5 p.m. EST and the event began at 7 p.m. EST. Ticket were required.
Commander-in-Chief's Ball
This ball was held at the National Building Museum. Invited guests included enlisted active duty and reserve military. Tickets were required.
Youth Inaugural Ball
This ball was for Americans ages 18 to 35. It was held at the Washington Hilton. Tickets were required. Kanye West and Kid Rock headlined. It was broadcast on MTV at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PT.
Obama Home States Inaugural Ball
Invited Illinois and Hawaii friends and invited guests attended this ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall E.
Biden Home States Inaugural Ball
Invited Delaware and Pennsylvania guests attended at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Ballroom.
Eastern States Inaugural Ball Invited guests from CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, PR, and USVI celebrated at Union Station.
Midwestern States Ball
Was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall C.
Mid-Atlantic States Inaugural Ball
Invited guests from MD, VA, DC, NY, NJ, WV, and Dems Abroad at Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall A.
Southern States Inaugural Ball
Invited guests from AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, and TX celebrated at the National Guard Armory.
Western States Inaugural Ball
Invited guests from AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY, AZ, CO, NV, NM, UT, OK, GUAM/AS celebrated at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall B.