Obama's Inauguration
The nation's capital prepares for President Obama's second inauguration.
By compiled from wire photos
on January 19, 2013 7:53 PM
Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps gather after performing on the National Mall as Washington prepares for President Barack Obama's second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. less
Members of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps gather after performing on the National Mall as Washington prepares for President Barack Obama's second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. ... more
Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Images
Visitors take photos of the U.S. Capitol building prepared for inauguration events January 19, 2013 in Washington DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. less
Visitors take photos of the U.S. Capitol building prepared for inauguration events January 19, 2013 in Washington DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, ... more
Photo: Allison Shelley, Getty Images
Two workers adjust US flags on the US Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2013. Obama faces a near impossible task in his second inaugural address on January 21: uniting a nation in which the compromise that oils governing is crushed by deep political divides. Before a crowd of thousands and the eyes of the world on television and online, Obama will stand on the West Front of the US Capitol and swear to faithfully execute the office of president and defend the Constitution. less
Two workers adjust US flags on the US Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2013. Obama faces a near impossible task in his ... more
Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images
Agence France-Presse technician Richardo Criales (L) works on a tower on the US Capitol erected for media coverage for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2013. Obama faces a near impossible task in his second inaugural address on January 21, uniting a nation in which the compromise that oils governing is crushed by deep political divides. Before a crowd of thousands and the eyes of the world on television and online, Obama will stand on the West Front of the US Capitol and swear to faithfully execute the office of president and defend the Constitution. less
Agence France-Presse technician Richardo Criales (L) works on a tower on the US Capitol erected for media coverage for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington, DC, on January 17, ... more
Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images
A cyclist prepares to pass visitors standing in front of the Inaugural Parade Reviewing Stand outside the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, in preparation for this weekend's 57th Presidential Inauguration" where President Barack Obama will be sworn in for a second term. less
A cyclist prepares to pass visitors standing in front of the Inaugural Parade Reviewing Stand outside the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, in preparation for this ... more
Photo: Susan Walsh, Associated Press
A set of cranes assist in adding the finishing touches to a tent set up for inaugural events on the National Mall January 19, 2013 in Washington DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. less
A set of cranes assist in adding the finishing touches to a tent set up for inaugural events on the National Mall January 19, 2013 in Washington DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of ... more
Photo: Allison Shelley, Getty Images
First lady Michelle Obama, center, and daughters Sasha, left, and Malia, right, react during the Kids' Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future." event in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, as part of the 57th Inauguration weekend of events. less
First lady Michelle Obama, center, and daughters Sasha, left, and Malia, right, react during the Kids' Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future." event in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, as part of the 57th ... more
Photo: Frank Franklin II, Associated Press
Katy Perry performs during the Kids' Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future." event in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, as part of the 57th Inauguration weekend of events.
Katy Perry performs during the Kids' Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future." event in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, as part of the 57th Inauguration weekend of events.
Photo: Frank Franklin II, Associated Press
Usher performs during the Kids' Inaugural concert at the Washington Convention Center January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The event, attended by US First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, was held prior to the official swearing in of US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled for January 20, 2013, with a ceremonial swearing in on January 21. less
Usher performs during the Kids' Inaugural concert at the Washington Convention Center January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The event, attended by US First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha Obama, Malia Obama and Dr. ... more
Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP/Getty Images
A signer signs the lyrics in front of a large screen with the image of gospel singer, Yolanda Adams, as she performs during the opening ceremony for the National Day of Service as part of the 57th Presidential Inaugural festivities, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in Washington. less
A signer signs the lyrics in front of a large screen with the image of gospel singer, Yolanda Adams, as she performs during the opening ceremony for the National Day of Service as part of the 57th Presidential ... more
Photo: Steve Helber, Associated Press
A worker vacuums a platform at the US Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington on January 18, 2013. Crowds may be smaller on the January 21 inauguration than when Barack Obama was first sworn into office in 2009, but security is as tight as ever, with experts warning a "lone wolf" would pose the greatest threat. Between 500,000 and 800,000 people are expected to pass through the National Mall, the immense greenway that leads up to the Capitol, compared to the 1.8 million spectators who came to applaud Obama four years ago. less
A worker vacuums a platform at the US Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington on January 18, 2013. Crowds may be smaller on the January 21 ... more
Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images
Workers set up the main stage at the US Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington on January 18, 2013. Crowds may be smaller on the January 21 inauguration than when Barack Obama was first sworn into office in 2009, but security is as tight as ever, with experts warning a "lone wolf" would pose the greatest threat. Between 500,000 and 800,000 people are expected to pass through the National Mall, the immense greenway that leads up to the Capitol, compared to the 1.8 million spectators who came to applaud Obama four years ago. less
Workers set up the main stage at the US Capitol as preparations continue for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama in Washington on January 18, 2013. Crowds may be smaller on the January 21 ... more
Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images
Mark Holland applies a protective covering over carpet on a platform outside the U.S. Capitol prior to the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013. President Obama's second inauguration next week will combine the star power of Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor with a lineup that reflects social values Obama will champion in his new term. less
Mark Holland applies a protective covering over carpet on a platform outside the U.S. Capitol prior to the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013. ... more
Photo: Andrew Harrer, Bloomberg
T-shirts featuring an image of US President Barack Obama are displayed at a gift shop in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2013. Crowds may be smaller on January 21 inauguration than when Barack Obama was first sworn into office in 2009, but security is as tight as ever, with experts warning a "lone wolf" would pose the greatest threat. Between 500,000 and 800,000 people are expected to pass through the National Mall, the immense greenway that leads up to the Capitol, compared to the 1.8 million spectators who came to applaud Obama four years ago. less
T-shirts featuring an image of US President Barack Obama are displayed at a gift shop in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2013. Crowds may be smaller on January 21 inauguration than when Barack Obama was first ... more
Photo: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP/Getty Images
A worker cleans rows of seats where people will watch President Barack Obama take the oath of office during his second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Preparations continued ahead of Monday's historic event, which is expected to draw more than half a million people. less
A worker cleans rows of seats where people will watch President Barack Obama take the oath of office during his second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Preparations continued ahead of ... more
Photo: John Moore, Getty Images
A worker cleans bulletproof glass on the west Capitol platform where President Barack Obama will take the oath of office during his second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Preparations continued ahead of Monday's event, which is expected to draw more than half a million people. less
A worker cleans bulletproof glass on the west Capitol platform where President Barack Obama will take the oath of office during his second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Preparations ... more
Photo: John Moore, Getty Images
A brass band performs on a street corner as Washington prepares for President Barack Obama's second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. less
A brass band performs on a street corner as Washington prepares for President Barack Obama's second inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration ... more
Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Images
Workers place security fences in place near the Capitol building as the area is prepared for the Presidential inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The US capital is preparing for the second inauguration of US President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. less
Workers place security fences in place near the Capitol building as the area is prepared for the Presidential inauguration on January 19, 2013 in Washington, DC. The US capital is preparing for the second ... more
Photo: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Mignon Bryant, of Houston, Texas, an Americorps/ NCCC team leader, left, hands a care kit box to Meg O'Brien, a sophomore of the Catholic University women's lacrosse team, during the MLK National Day of Service at the Washington Armory in Washington, D.C, Saturday, January 19, 2013. Thousands of volunteers danced and assembled nearly 100,000 care kits filled with necessities for deployed U.S. service members, Wounded Warriors, veterans and first responders. The service project was part of the 57th Presidential Inauguration. less
Mignon Bryant, of Houston, Texas, an Americorps/ NCCC team leader, left, hands a care kit box to Meg O'Brien, a sophomore of the Catholic University women's lacrosse team, during the MLK National Day of Service ... more
Photo: Gabriel B. Tait, McClatchy-Tribune News Service
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama help to stain a bookshelf at Burrville Elementary School in Washington, D.C., Saturday, January 19, 2013. Joining the Obamas are Jeff Franco, Executive Director of City Year, and Sheri Fisher, a City Year employee. The event was part of the National Day of Service, the first official event of the 57th presidential inauguration weekend. less
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama help to stain a bookshelf at Burrville Elementary School in Washington, D.C., Saturday, January 19, 2013. Joining the Obamas are Jeff Franco, Executive ... more
Photo: Martin H. Simon, McClatchy-Tribune News Service
Sterling Turner (L) is photographed by his friend Ryan Ussery, both of Laveen, AZ, at a "presidential podium" at the National Museum of American History January 19, 2013 in Washington DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. less
Sterling Turner (L) is photographed by his friend Ryan Ussery, both of Laveen, AZ, at a "presidential podium" at the National Museum of American History January 19, 2013 in Washington DC. The U.S. capital is ... more
Photo: Allison Shelley, Getty Images
Visitors crowd around a display featuring the dress worn by Michelle Obama on inauguration day 2009 at an exhibition entitled "The First Ladies" at the National Museum of American History January 19, 2013 in Washington DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. less
Visitors crowd around a display featuring the dress worn by Michelle Obama on inauguration day 2009 at an exhibition entitled "The First Ladies" at the National Museum of American History January 19, 2013 in ... more
Photo: Allison Shelley, Getty Images
Actors dressed as George Washington and his wife Martha look at a portrait of the first US president by Gilbert Stuart at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington on January 19, 2013, two days before the second inauguration of the 44th President, Barack Obama. less
Actors dressed as George Washington and his wife Martha look at a portrait of the first US president by Gilbert Stuart at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington on January 19, 2013, two days before the ... more
Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM, AFP/Getty Images
Tour buses and tourists are seen near the U.S. Capitol on January 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on January 21. less
Tour buses and tourists are seen near the U.S. Capitol on January 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. The U.S. capital is preparing for the second inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which will take place on ... more
Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, right, displays the official inaugural gifts to be presented to President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, during the 57th Presidential Inaugural, Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. The crystal vases are custom designed and engraved by Lenox. Lenox Vice President of Design Tim Carder is at left. less
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, right, displays the official inaugural gifts to be presented to President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe ... more
Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press