January 20, 2009: Inauguration of President Barack Obama

  • Crowds estimated at 1.8 million people gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for the swearing-in ceremony held on January 20, 2009.

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  • Looking west from the U.S. Capitol out on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. at the crowds gathered for the swearing-in ceremony of President Barack Obama.

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  • The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus perform at the swearing-in ceremony for President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2009.

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  • The United States Marine Band—“The President’s Own”—performed throughout the swearing-in ceremony.

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  • The U.S. Military Color Guard presents the U.S. flag at the beginning of the swearing-in ceremony.

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  • President Barack Obama arrives on the platform to be sworn-in as the 44th president of the United States.

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  • Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chair of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, calls the swearing-in ceremony to order.

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  • Dr. Rick Warren, Pastor of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA, gives the invocation.

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  • Aretha Franklin sings “My Country Tis of Thee”.

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  • Senator Bob Bennett, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, introduces Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court John Paul Stevens to administer the oath of office to Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

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  • Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. takes the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2009 with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and his children observing.

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  • Itzhak Perlman, violinist, Anthony McGill, clarinet, Yo-Yo Ma, cellist, and Gabriela Montero, pianist, performed “Air and Simple Gifts,” a composition arranged for the swearing-in ceremony John Williams.

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  • Itzhak Perlman, violinist.

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  • President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama listen to the musical selection.

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  • Yo-Yo Ma, cellist.

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  • President Barack Obama takes the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2009 with his wife, Michelle Obama, and his children observing.

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  • The U.S. Army provides a 21-gun salute to honor the swearing-in of President Barack Obama.

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  • President Barack Obama gives his inaugural address.

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  • President Barack Obama gives his inaugural address.

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  • President Barack Obama concludes his inaugural address.

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  • President Barack Obama shakes hands with Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. with Senator Dianne Feinstein looking on.

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  • American poet Elizabeth Alexander recites “Praise Song for the Day”.

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  • The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery delivers the benediction.

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  • President Barack Obama hugs the Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery after he delivers the benediction.

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  • The U.S. Navy Sea Chanters Chorus sings the National Anthem.

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  • President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama escort former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush to the helicopter waiting to take them to Andrews Air Force Base.

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  • President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama escort former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush to the helicopter waiting to take them to Andrews Air Force Base.

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  • President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., and his wife Dr. Jill Biden review the troops prior to the inaugural parade.

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  • What is the J.C.C.I.C.? Learn about the committee that's planned this since 1901.
  • Read the transcript from January 20, 2009 in the Congressional Record
  • What Happens on Inauguration Day? Walk through the president-elect's day

  • Visit the Past Platforms slideshow