2005 Inauguration

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2005	VENUE	EVENT DURATION
A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVE	The MCI Center	2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
CHAIRMAN’S RECEPTION	Mellon Auditorium	5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
YOUTH CONCERT	The Armory	5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2005
CHAIRMAN’S BRUNCH	Mellon Auditorium	10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM	The Ellipse	4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
CANDLELIGHT DINNER #1	Union Station	7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
CANDLELIGHT DINNER #2	The Washington Hilton	7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
CANDLELIGHT #3	National Building Museum	7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2005
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH SERVICE	St. John’s Church	9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
OATH OF OFFICE CEREMONY	US Capitol	12:00 p.m.
INAUGURAL PARADE	Pennsylvania Ave.	2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
CONSTITUTION BALL	Washington Hilton	7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
FREEDOM BALL	Union Station	7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
INDEPENDENCE BALL	Convention Center (A)	7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
TEXAS WYOMING BALL	Convention Center (B)	7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
LIBERTY BALL	Convention Center (C)	7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
DEMOCRACY BALL	Convention Center (D)	7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
PATRIOT BALL	Convention Center (E)	7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
STARS AND STRIPES BALL	Convention Center Ballroom	7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BALL	National Building Museum	7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2005
NATIONAL PRAYER SERVICE	National Cathedral	10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

President George W. Bush will be sworn in to a second term on January 20, 2005 at noon on the west front of the U.S. Capitol overlooking the National monuments. Joining him will be his family, members of the Cabinet and Administration, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, U.S. Supreme Court Justices and invited guests.

A minister chosen by the President will deliver an invocation, and U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist is expected to administer the oath. Once the oath is taken, the military will render a 21-gun salute, the Army Herald Trumpets will play “Ruffles and Flourishes” and the U.S. Marine Band will launch “Hail to the Chief.” The president will then deliver his inaugural address.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the President will sign his cabinet nominations and join invited guests in Statuary Hall for the Congressional luncheon. After lunch, the President will be escorted by U.S. Army Major General Galen Jackman to the east side of the U.S. Capitol for the pass in review, then onto the presidential motorcade for the start of the parade.

The language of the presidential oath is specified in the Constitution. The vice-president takes the same oath as other high-ranking federal employees.

I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

Tickets for the swearing-in ceremony are required for the Capitol lawn, the Capitol reflecting pool, and the National Mall from 3rd to 4th Streets, NW. Beginning in January 2005, tickets will be distributed to constituents by both senators and representatives of the 109th Congress as well as by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. For more information on ticketing for this ceremony, go to http://inaugural.senate.gov.

The best opportunity to participate in the inaugural events is the parade, when military and civilian bands and other fanfare will march along a 1.7 mile-route from Capitol Hill to the White House and hundreds of thousands of people are able line the route and watch.

The parade will begin about 2:30 p.m. on January 20, 2005. The parade route starts at the intersection of Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues and continues down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

Organizing this precisely timed formation of some 11,000 people, floats, vehicles and horses is no small feat. From logistical support, such as buses, warming tents and food, to security and public safety, much will be happening behind the scenes to create the flawless event that will be viewed by half-a-million spectators.

Parade preparations begin months in advance when applications are gathered from bands and other marching units from across the country on behalf of the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC). As the event gets closer, PIC selects participants for the parade.

Efforts are made to have as many states represented in the parade as possible. The parade normally lasts about two hours.

The parade is open to the general public. Bleacher seats are available from the Presidential Inaugural Committee for $15, $60, and $125, but seats are limited.

Inaugural balls have long been a part of the celebration of the Presidential Inauguration and lend a celebratory flair to the week’s events. The first official Inaugural ball was hosted by President James Madison in 1809, who charged an entrance fee at the door. The President and First Lady watched their guests dance from a platform, then joined them for a formal supper afterward.

Inaugural balls throughout history have continued to capture the personality and style of each incoming president. Balls are typically divided by states at hotels and other spaces throughout Washington, D.C.

Other Inaugural events will likely include lectures, seminars, public entertainment, a prayer service and a presidential gala on the eve of the Inauguration. Inaugural festivities also include dozens of unofficial receptions and parties throughout Washington, D.C. The President and First Lady only attend the official balls.

Presidential Inaugurals set the tone for a new administration and reflect a president’s personality. From the Inaugural ball themes to the Bible chosen for the swearing-in ceremony, each inauguration develops its own style.