President Obama, Vice President Biden Sworn in for Second Term - East Idaho News
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President Obama, Vice President Biden Sworn in for Second Term

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GETTY P 012013 OBAMA BIDEN ARLINGTON1?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1358702468310Michael Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday officially embarked on their second term, taking the Constitutionally-mandated oath of office in two separate private ceremonies inside their Washington, D.C., homes.

Shortly before noon in the Blue Room of the White House, Obama raised his right hand, with his left on a family Bible, reciting the oath administrated by Chief Justice John Roberts. He was surrounded by immediate family members, including First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Biden was sworn in earlier Sunday by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic to administer a presidential oath, in a ceremony at his official residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory. He was joined by more than 120 guests, including cabinet members, extended family and wife, Dr. Jill Biden.

Because Jan. 20 – the official date for a new presidential term – falls on a Sunday this year, organizers delayed by one day the traditional public inauguration ceremony and parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Obama and Biden will each repeat the oath again on Monday on the west front of the U.S. Capitol surrounded by hundreds of dignitaries and members of Congress. An estimated 800,000 people are expected to gather on the National Mall to witness the moment and inaugural parade to follow.

Sunday’s official inaugural activities also included moments of prayer and remembrance that marked the solemnity of the day.

Obama and Biden rendezvoused at Arlington National Cemetery for a brief morning ceremony to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns, honoring military service members who served and sacrificed. Both men stood shoulder to shoulder, bowing their heads as a bugler played “Taps.”

Biden, who is Catholic, began the day with a private family mass at his residence. The President and First Family attended church services at Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, a historically black church and site of two pre-inaugural prayer services for former President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore and their families.

The Obamas and Bidens will participate in a church service on Monday morning at St. John’s Episcopal, across Lafayette Park from the White House. They will also attend a National Prayer Service on Tuesday at the National Cathedral.

Later on Sunday evening, the newly-inaugurated leaders will attend a candlelight reception at the National Building Museum. The president and vice president are expected to deliver brief remarks to their supporters.

The official inaugural weekend festivities began Saturday in Washington with a National Day of Service led by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The Obamas joined volunteers at a local D.C. elementary school, where they helped with renovation projects.

Organizers said thousands of Americans participated in service events in conjunction with the inauguration across all 50 states. More than 13,000 people attended a so-called Service Summit on the National Mall.

Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden on Saturday also hosted a Kids Inaugural ball, a tradition started in 2009. The event was geared toward children of military families as part of Obama’s “Joining Forces” initiative. A concert included performances by Usher, the cast of “Glee,” and Katy Perry.

The stars will be out in force across Washington again on Monday, with performances at the inaugural cermony at the Capitol and at the official inaugural balls later in the evening.

At the ceremony, Beyoncé will sing the National Anthem, Kelly Clarkson will perform “My Country Tis of Thee,” and James Taylor will sing “America the Beautiful.” The balls will include performances by Marc Anthony, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson. Officials have not yet revealed who will perform for the president and first lady’s inaugural dance.

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