President Barack Obama waving during his inauguration speech
Posted by | Ray Cornelius
The 2013 Presidential Inauguration took place yesterday in our nation’s capital. Close to a million people gathered on the National Mall to witness Barack H. Obama being sworn in for the second time as President of the United States. Taking place on the birthday celebration of slain Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., yesterday’s inaugural events were marked with of thoughts of reflection and rejoicing of dreams fulfilled and some yet to be realized. Check out a few highlights from the day in this RC Pictorial Overview:
President Barack Obama was officially sworn-in by Chief Justice John Roberts on Sunday, Jan. 20 in the Blue Room of the White House. Present were First Lady Michelle Obama, who held the Robinson Family Bible along with daughters Malia and Sasha.
The First Family on their way to church at St. Johns’ Church on Monday, Jan. 21. It is customary for the President and family to attend a church service as part of the Inauguration festivities.
Students gathering for the presidential inauguration
President Barack Obama taking the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol. President Obama has his right hand placed on bibles belonging to President Abraham Lincoln and Civil Rights Icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mrs. Myrlie Evers-Williams, wife of slain Civil Rights Pioneer Medgar Evers was invited to deliver the invocation for the presidential inauguration. She is the first woman and lay person to the give the inaugural invocation.
Music legend James Taylor performing “America the Beautiful”
American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson delivered a powerful performance of “My Country, Tis of Thee”
Inaugural Poet, Richard Blanco recites “One Today” and became the first Latino gay poet to participate in a presidential inauguration Blanco, 44, is also the youngest poet to speak at a presidential inauguration.
Grammy-winning singer Beyonce singing the “Star Spangled Banner”
President Obama pausing to look one last time at the throngs of people on the National Mall saying,
“I want to take a look one more time because I’m not going to see this again.”
President and First Lady Obama walking down Pennsylvania Avenue greeting fans and supporters
The President and First Lady dancing at one of many inaugural balls with entertainment provided by
Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Stevie Wonder, Brad Paisley, Marc Anthony and Alica Keys.
Sources: AJC and Boston.com
