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.
-
T-shirts commemorating the inauguration were sold by vendors all over the National Mall.
-
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.
-
Spectators wave American flags early Tuesday morning on the National Mall while waiting for the inauguration ceremony to begin.
-
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.
