Presidential Inauguration 2009 Schedule and National Security

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Mr. Barack H. Obama in Chicago, Illinois 11/2008

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According to previously released statements issued by the Department of United States Homeland (DHS), the current US Secretary, Michael Chertoff has designated the 2009 Presidential Inauguration a National Special Security Event (NSSE) on Oct. 20, 2008, although cooperative planning for the event has begun as early as July 2008.

The Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan for any NSSE.  

The preparation for an event of this magnitude requires joint cooperative efforts across multiple agencies and states. No single entity can implement necessary security measures on its own. At present, 58 Federal, military, state and city law enforcement and public safety agencies are working together to ensure a safe and smooth event. 

The Federal government participants included representatives from the Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, departments of Health and Human Services and Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Park Police, Capitol Police, General Services Administration, and Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Institution is an official partner with the 2009 Presidential Inauguration. 

While the American people were busy preparing for the annual holiday season, the current Secretary Michael Chertoff, District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine met on Dec.23, 2008 at Secret Service headquarters to finalize security planning and implementation for the 56th Presidential Inauguration

The District of Columbia representatives participated from the Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency, Metropolitan Police Department, District of Columbia Fire Department and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. 

Maryland and Virginia State Police and respective state Department of Transportation officials also took part in the discussion.

The Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC2009) has also released a preliminary schedule that consistently reflects Mr. Obama's message of commitment to hold an inauguration that is open and accessible to the public.

The official theme for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, “Renewing America’s Promise", a vision that underscores the President-elect and Vice President-elect’s commitment to restoring opportunity and possibility for all and re-establishing America’s standing as a beacon of hope around the world.

Presidential Inauguration 2009 Schedule

The inaugural celebration will begin in Philadelphia, the city where America's democracy was born and when the promise of the country was realized.

On Saturday, Jan. 17, President-elect Barack Obama will be holding an event in Philadelphia before boarding a train bound with invited guests for the nation’s capital. He will be picking up Vice President-elect Joe Biden and his family in Wilmington, DE, following with a stop for an event in Baltimore, MD, before arriving to Washington, D.C. in the afternoon. 

In addition to those stops, the train will also “slow roll” through Claymont, Delaware, and Edgewood, Maryland, so that more Americans will have the opportunity to witness the President-elect and Vice President-elect make their way to Washington, D.C. 

The following events will take place in the nation’s capital from Sunday, Jan.18 to Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009:

Sunday, January 18

President-elect Barack Obama will kick off the schedule of official inaugural activities in Washington, D.C., with a welcome event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday afternoon.  The Lincoln Memorial is dedicated to the memory of America's 16th President, the Lincoln Memorial has been the site of many Presidential Inauguration activities in recent years.

The event will be free and open to the public.

Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

In 1994, to further commemorate a man who lived his life in service to others, Congress transformed the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday into a national day of community service.  To honor Dr. King’s legacy, the President-elect and Vice President-elect and their families will join Americans in communities all across the country, by participating in activities dedicated to serving others in communities across the Washington, D.C. area.

On the eve of the Inauguration, Jan.19, there will be a youth concert at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. The concert is free of charge, but tickets are required.

Tuesday, January 20 - Inauguration Day

On this historic day, the Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC2009) has invited the public to submit their personal photos to the Official Inaugural Book.

For the first time, the National Mall will be open to those wishing to attend the swearing-in ceremony as previously reported by this writer.

The Inaugural Ceremony will start at 10 AM on the west front of the U.S. Capitol and will include:

• Musical Selections:  The United States Marine Band, followed by
  
• The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus
• Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D) California
  
• Invocation: Dr. Rick Warren
  
• Musical Selection: Ms. Aretha Franklin
  
• Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will be sworn into office by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, the Honorable John Paul Stevens.
  
• Musical Selection: Mr. John Williams, composer/arranger with Mr. Itzhak Perlman - violin, Mr. Yo-Yo Ma - cello, Ms. Gabriela Montero - piano, and Mr. Anthony McGill - clarinet.
  
•  President-elect Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. will take the Oath of Office, using President Lincoln’s Inaugural Bible, administered by the Chief Justice of the United States, the Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.
  
•  Inaugural Address
  
• Poem: Ms. Elizabeth Alexander
  
• Benediction: The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
  
• The National Anthem: The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanters”
  

After President Obama gives his Inaugural Address, he will escort the outgoing 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall.

The 56th Inaugural Parade will make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House with groups traveling from all over the country to participate in the historic event.

In the evening, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will host ten official Inaugural Balls including the Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball as reported on NP this writer.

Wednesday, January 21

The President and Vice President of the United States will be participating in a National Prayer Service.

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• Note:  This writer will occasionally update details in this piece until Jan.20
  

Inauguration-related articles provided by this writer on NP:

• Inauguration Day Program - Jan.20, 2009
  
• Mr. Obama Honors McCain, Powell, and Biden
  
• Yo Yo Ma and Friends' Musical Ode to Honor Obama
  
• Opening Ceremonies Kick-Off at the Lincoln Memorial
  
• Obama-Biden Whistle Stop Train Tour to Washington D.C.
  
• Lincoln Memorial Celebration - Preliminary Program
  
• Pre-Inauguration Lineups: Bipartisan Dinners; Children's Concert
  
• The Smithsonian Acquires Barack Obama's Image
  
• Techno-Access to Presidential Inauguration 2009
  
• The Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball
  
• National Mall Welcomes the Public
  
• Unofficial Presidential Inaugural Balls
  
• The First Interview after the Election

External Resources:

The Smithsonian Institution

The National Register of Historic Places in Washington D.C.

The National Mall

The Lincoln Memorial

The United States Capitol Building

The National Building Museum