Inauguration 2009 - The Rest of the Story

Washington is used to big events but nothing quite like the gathering for the inauguration of our new president.

WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) - Just after twelve noon on January 20, 2009 Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. And now, the rest of the story.

For many weeks, actually months, Washington DC has been getting ready for Inauguration 2009. The preparations for this major event touched every aspect of the inauguration and related events from police activities to porta-potties. Hotels have been on high alert as have the larger meeting halls in the area that will host to inaugural balls and other events.

Every building used had to be swept by law enforcement officers and trained dogs. Buildings not used had to be locked down.

Even areas in the far reaches of the Washington metroplex were "on alert" for Inauguration Day. County Emergency Operations Centers in portions of Northern Virginia and Maryland would be manned with special radio communications networks activated to handle anything unexpected.

Loudoun County, Va residents saw signs for bus and car parking erected at several area high schools. These were being used to direct the large buses carrying marching bands that had traveling here for the Inaugural parade. Band members, already in uniform, were marching around the parking lot, getting prepared for the big day and, for some, getting used to the cold.

When the morning of January 20th dawned, people were already beginning to make their way to the National Mall. With an estimated one million people expected in or near the 700 acres that spans the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, word came by around 10am that the Mall was now closed. They couldn't fit anyone else there.

Gatherings also took place remotely around the city. The Reston (Virginia) Chamber of Commerce, for example, hosted an inaugural luncheon at the local Hyatt Hotel where chamber members and guests watched the event on a large screen TV and then feasted on the same menu being served at the Presidential luncheon on Capitol Hill.

Interestingly enough, Senator Diane Feinstein, told attendees at the Capitol luncheon that the menu page was the most visited area on the Inaugural website.

Early reports indicate that attendance for this inauguration has exceeded the former record of 1.2 million at President Lyndon Johnson's event in 1965. Some estimates have approached the two million mark.

Downtown Washington was an amazing scene, with thousands of people streaming by hundreds of street vendors selling any and all kinds of Presidential and Obama paraphernalia. One vendor who sold gloves, hats, and Obama buttons was asked by a television reporter, "So Obama has already been good for the economy." To which he answered, "No question!"

On the National Mall, attendees experienced a sunny but bitterly cold day, with temperatures hovering around the mid-20's. Many present had to wait several hours and would end up watching the event on ten jumbo television screens placed along the two-mile stretch. Most of them simply said they just wanted to be near.

The VIP section of the inaugural seating area boasted veritable Who's Who of Hollywood celebrities, famous musicians and distinguished persons from other sectors of influential America. Among those present was Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot of last week's US Airways crash into the Hudson River.

Following the event, President and Mrs. Obama, along with Vice-President and Mrs. Biden walked the former President and Laura Bush toward a waiting helicopter on the Easter side of the Capitol. Normally known as "Marine One," for this final mission to Andrews Air Force Base the helicopter was designated "Executive One." The Bush's then were being taken to their new home in Texas aboard Air Force One.

Tonight the festivities continue with the various Inaugural Balls being hosted throughout Washington. There are ten official balls planned by the inauguration committee and attended by the Obama's and the Biden's. Over 30 additional balls will also be held. Prior to the inauguration, more than 42 dinners, galas, and balls were also held from the 17th to the 19th.

Tomorrow President Obama will begin his first full day of activities. As many political commentators indicated today, the eyes of America - and the world - will be upon this new and somewhat untested leader as his term of office begins to unfold.

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Randy Sly is the Associate Editor and Home and Family Editor for Catholic Online. Randy is also a communications specialist. He and his wife live in the growing area referred to as the "Washington, D.C. Metroplex".

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