2009 Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama

Of course the celebration Sunday wasn’t over just like that before Wednesday’s full schedule of work. All gathered together to hon0r Presdient-Elect Barack Obama as he was sworn in office now as President Obama. But oh n0 not just A-list celebrities, we as the people of the United States of America united as one to honor this man. Some little birdies informed WhoGossips on the inside scoop and how the atmosphere was beautiful and so full of energy. It’s amazing how so many people of so many races gathered and huddled in Washington D.C. in freezing temperatures, in which no one was arrested or injured. There was an incident that happened, in which an older lady fell in front of the metro while waiting. It has been reported that she is doing fine and nothing serious had taken place there after.

The theme of this inauguration was “A New Birth of Freedom” , which was a dedication to the 200th anniversary 0f Abraham Lincoln’s birth.

Where:  Washington D.C.,  on the west front of the U.S. Capitol overlooking the National monuments.

Time: 12 noon

When: January 20, 2009

FAST FACTS:

In 2009, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court The Honorable John Paul Stevens will administer the oath to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. will administer the oath to President-elect Obama.

Obama would be the first president sworn in using it since Lincoln in 1861.

The use of Lincoln’s Bible fits the inaugural theme, “A New Birth of Freedom,” a phrase Lincoln used in his Gettysburg Address that the inaugural committee selected to mark the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the President will sign his cabinet nominations and join invited guests in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol for the Congressional luncheon.

The 2009 luncheon in Statuary Hall will be attended by approximately 200 guests including the new President, Vice President, members of their families, the Supreme Court, Cabinet designees, and members of Congressional leadership.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee put 5,000 tickets, priced at $25 apiece for bleacher seats, on sale on Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. and they sold out in less than a minute.

After the Inaugural Luncheon, the newly sworn President and Vice President will make their way down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, leading a procession of ceremonial military regiments, citizens’ groups, marching bands, and floats.

After they reach the White House, the President and First Lady, Vice President and his wife, and special guests will review the parade as it passes.

The city’s police chief, Cathy Lanier, said Jan. 8 that authorities were anticipating 1 million to 2 million people.

$40 million to $45 million is the estimated cost of the 2009 inaugural parade, balls, opening ceremonies, and other expenses for the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Obama will be sworn in under the tightest security ever, shielded by a new, heavily armored Cadillac limousine, bullet-resistant glass, fighter planes overhead and Secret Service SWAT teams toting automatic weapons.

Obama will wear bullet-resistant clothing, speak behind a protective glass shield and ride in the parade in the armored Cadillac limousine, with doors and windows so thick that he probably would survive a bomb blast, law enforcement officials said.

Snipers will be positioned on rooftops and balconies along Pennsylvania Avenue.

58 law-enforcement and other agencies are working on security.

Every one of the 240,000 people attending the actual swearing-in ceremony will be screened by walk-through or hand-held metal detectors.

A new limousine, dubbed the 2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine, makes its debut on Inauguration Day.

It has been nicknamed “the Beast.”

President Obama and Vice President Biden will appear at each of this year’s ten inaugural balls.

Tickets cost $150 to all but the Youth Ball.

(FAST FACTS) Source: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/16/fox-facts-inauguration/

Credit: www.cbsnew.com

Parade:

After a long day, The Obamas had to attend 10 inaugural balls that night and be done by 2 a.m. , although they said he’d probably rush in and out all 10 and be done by 11 p.m. before his early day beginning at 6 a.m. the very next morning.

The Balls (The Youth Ball, the Neighborhood Ball, the Commander in Chief Ball and the Home States Ball)

Although First Lady Michelle Obama was nearly tired at this point, she still rocked an elegant, sophisticated, calssy, yet gorgeous gown designed by Jason Wu, a 26-year old designer from Tapei,Taiwan and has lived in Paris, Tokyo and Vancouver. “He began sewing when he was nine years old, designing clothes, drafting patterns and sewing clothes using dolls as mannequins. He attended Parsons: The New School for Design where he interned with Narciso Rodriguez. He debuted his first full collection in 2006 and in 2008 he received the Fashion Group International Rising Star award in 2008.   He has designed clothes for celebrities who include Kerry Washington, Joy Bryant, and Leighton Meister.” (Source and words: http://www.shallownation.com/2009/01/21/michelle-obama-dress-inaugural-ball-photos-video-jason-wu-inaugural-gown/)

Check Jason Wu out at his site: JasonWuStudio.com for more information, pics, and videos

Amongst other designers, Michelle Obama has given them recognition and something to show for. Her inaugural ensemble was designed by Isabel Toledo, a Cuban-American designer. Chicago designer Maria Pinto holds full responsibility for most of the designs First Lady has worn during this long journey and campaign.

I love how Obama gave thanks to his first lady and stated the woman that does everything he does except ‘in heels’. I loved that! They danced as Beyonce performed Etta James’s “At Last”. Beyonce remade this hit for the movie ‘Cadillac Records’.

She looks like she is so in love with that man or should I say they are so deeply in love with each other.....

(Ball pictures) Credit: http://www.shallownation.com/2009/01/21/michelle-obama-dress-inaugural-ball-photos-video-jason-wu-inaugural-gown/

External Links:

Obama ‘getting down with the get down’ I should say at the ball: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjXezuDsxGI

President Barack Obama and First Lady First Dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyU3Rqo3CNQ

Michelle and Barack Obama dance and speech at Eastern Inauguration Ball on FOX : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1It2TjOyvE

Speech at the Youth Ball and dance with Michelle Obama (our First Lady): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvK0qNXWlI4

President Obama’s Speech at the Inauguration 2009 and taking the oath: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjnygQ02aW4

Just some interesting photos from www.therundown.tv:

“In this photo released by the White House on Jan. 24, Barack Obama rides the elevator to the White House residence at 2 a.m. on Jan. 21, after attending 10 inaugural balls and being sworn in as President. It was the end of an epic 24 hours, but he looks like he could be getting ready for a big day, instead of ending one. And in a bigger sense, it was only the beginning.”

 Credits: Pete Souza/White House

“And then it was time to greet the first business day of his Presidency. In other words, time to get to work. President Obama wasted no time in calling leaders from Mideast regarding the crisis in Gaza, signing an order to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, and allowing federal funding of international agencies that support a woman’s right to choose. “

Credits: Pete Souza/White House

Before their lives changed forever…..Michelle and Barack share last minute whispers of encouragement!

This Journey will never end!