Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The swearing-in ceremony for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, Monday in Washington, DC.
History was made Monday in Washington, D.C. for the swearing-in ceremonies for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, for their second terms of office, and supporters traveled near and far to witness the occasion. Patch was at the scene, from sunrise until sunset, at the National Mall. Unofficial crowd estimates said that one million people were on hand for the event. It was a long day for the Obama family, starting out at 8:30 a.m. with a church service across the street from the White House at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square. From there, the first family, the president, first lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha returned to the White House. After a coffee with members of Congress, the group …
Monday, January 21, 2013
Read the full text of President Barack Obama's speech made on the occasion of his second inauguration.
Remarks of President Barack Obama – as Prepared for Delivery Inaugural Address Monday, January 21, 2013 Washington, DC Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, …
Student ambassadors from across the U.S. and China dined with "George Washington" and "Abe Lincoln" at the Collingwood Library and Museum
Students participating in the People to People Ambassadors program received preparation for the inauguration at a special dinner at the Collingwood Library and Museum Sunday night. Participants hailed from schools across the nation and China, and spent the weekend learning about the historical significance of the presidential inauguration and visited historic sites including Mount Vernon. Guests enjoyed dishes that were enjoyed by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln during their time as president. The purpose of the dinner was to make students aware of the significance of the inauguration, according to Collingwood Library and Museum Executive Director Paul Frank. "The property was once owned by George Washington, so I thought, why don't …
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Heading into DC? Here's a guide to surviving the inauguration.
While the crowds may not be as intense as in 2009, when an estimated 1.8 million people came to DC for President Barack Obama’s inauguration, there’s still a lot of info you need to know to survive the day. From Metro closures and changes to where to eat and how to stay warm, Patch has you covered. Transportation Check out Patch’s inauguration travel guide. What to Bring Essentially, you should bring yourself, an ID and as few other items as possible. There’s an extensive list of prohibited items, including backpacks, strollers (in certain areas) and more. See the list of prohibited items at inauguration and related events here. Weather and Staying Warm Right now, forecasts indicate that Monday’s weather will be downright cold with a …
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Maps, schedules, social network and more for Obama's ceremonial swearing in.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee has released a free official app for attendees at the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday, as well as for those watching from home. The app includes a schedule of events, maps, volunteer opportunities, a feed for social networking, behind-the-scenes videos and photos and a live stream available Monday for those who won't be there. The app is available on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Click here to download the app. Steve Kerrigan, President and CEO of the Inaugural Committee, said in a statement the app is for Americans across the country to share in this moment in history. "Whether you're in Washington, DC or any other part of the nation, there are plenty of ways to be involved in …
Due to unprecedented security levels, a wide range of items are prohibited at the inauguration, balls and some related events.
One Patch local editor attended the 2009 presidential inauguration downtown, and brought a lawn chair with her. She had to leave it outside the security gates. Don't let something like that happen to you! There will be a strong police presence—even police from Alexandria, Fairfax County and other jurisdictions will be in D.C. this weekend. Here's the official list of what is prohibited from the inauguration ceremony, inauguration parade and elsewhere. This information comes from inauguration.dc.gov: The US Secret Service, Metropolitan Police Department, US Capitol Police, and other local and federal agencies are providing an unprecedented level of security for the Inauguration. As a security precaution, the following items will be …
Many roads will be blocked off, parking will be dicey.
Thinking of driving to the inauguration? Access will be limited, but it can be done—just be ready to sit in a lot of traffic. “Because Inauguration Day falls on a legal public holiday – the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. — this year, tens of thousands of local residents of the District, Virginia, and Maryland will also be in attendance," at the 2013 presidential inauguration, warns Martha Mitchell Meade, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public and Government Affairs, in a news release. "... Motorists should keep a full tank of gasoline in their vehicles, just in case they are stranded or stuck in traffic," she noted. "Inauguration goers should have a fully charged cell phone. Because use may be limited, send a text message to someone who…
Friday, January 18, 2013
Spectators may see some colder temperatures on Inauguration Day.
Spectators who watch the presidential inauguration ceremony live can expect to see temperatures anywhere from 43 degrees all the way down to just 28 degrees, if past weather patterns are any indication. According to the National Weather Service, those are the average high and low temps for a January Inauguration Day. While the weather forecast for this year's ceremony hasn't been set, temperatures reached just 29 degrees for the 2009 inauguration. Hudson Trail Outfitters, with stores in Pentagon City, Fairfax and Tenley Circle, expects to see plenty of people stopping by to stock up on supplies to keep warm for the inauguration in the event the forecast takes a turn for the cold, according to John Holcomb, director of store operations. “…
Where to go, what to do and where to eat in Greater Alexandria this weekend if you're hosting out-of-town guests for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration.
Do you have guests in town for Inauguration Weekend? Chances are, your guests will want to do more than sit on your couch waiting for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday. So, we’ve rounded up some things you can do right here in Greater Alexandria to keep your guests entertained and happy. Where to Eat Your guests can dine at the Cedar Knoll Inn, located just north of Mount Vernon on the George Washington Parkway and features a diverse menu in a historical building. For something quick and inexpensive, check out Dishes of India, Roseina's, and the Hollin Hall Pastry Company and Shop. Places to See Be sure to have your guest check out the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Your guests can tour the Mount Vernon Estate…
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Not everyone decides to attend this event. What are you doing instead? We give some suggestions.
If you're like me, loud noises, large crowds and traffic send you running the other way. Though I respect Inauguration Day as a historical part of American culture, you'll never find me at this event. The stress of purchasing tickets, dealing with traffic and a large group of people encourages me to enjoy this event from my living room or find something more relaxing to do instead. On top of that, Jan. 21 is also Martin Luther King Day, guaranteeing a separate crowd heading in the direction of his monument. Though Inauguration Day will be the talk of the town, I'm sure I'm not alone in trying to avoid the chaos. Personally, I'd prefer hanging out at Grounded Coffee or grabbing lunch with friends at King Street Blues. And if everyone else …
Martin Tillett
10:18 am on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Was present on the mall to hear it live and have listened again via tv and read it here. In this readers view, a great inaugural speech and a passionate plea to a beloved nation that clearly identifies the inconsistency of our national mottos, constitution and laws stating principles and beliefs of equality, liberty and freedom yet operating in a system that has historically taken necessities … more ›