Photo Blog: Inauguration of Barack Obama
The Ironweed Blue Grass Band plays in front of a video feed from the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball during an event at The Blue Note on Tuesday to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama. With a theme of 'Tatters to Tuxedos,' the event was free to the public.
Spectators wave American flags early Tuesday morning on the National Mall while waiting for the inauguration ceremony to begin.
A crowd of thousands make their way through a security checkpoint near Independence Avenue and Seventh Street early Tuesday morning. A massive secured perimeter was constructed around the National Mall and everyone entering was subject to extensive searches by metal detectors and bomb-sniffing dogs.
T-shirts commemorating the inauguration were sold by vendors all over the National Mall.
The stage erected above the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building, seen on Sunday before the inauguration.
Law enforcement officials from dozens of local and national agencies assisted in security for the inauguration.
Those holding tickets to the inauguration were ushered into the Capitol grounds through special color-coded gates. Despite guarantees of entry, there were widespread reports of ticketholders being shut out from the ceremony due to long lines.
Large video monitors were set up on the Mall to accommodate those with limited views of the inaugural ceremony.
Spectators make the trek away from the Capitol prior to the parade after a morning full of events.
