President Obama celebrates the beginning of his second term as President of the United States with a ceremonial swearing in followed by his inaugural address and a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue and many inaugural balls tonight.

The Jackson Jaguar Marching Band in the inaugural parade
The Jackson Jaguar Marching Band in the inaugural parade (Bud McCormick)
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Twice during today's inaugural parade, President Barack Obama and his wife have given spectators the extra bonus they were hoping for. The Obamas left their limousine and walked along part of the parade route, waving and responding to cheers from the crowd.

During the second walk, near the White House, the crowd roared as the Obamas passed in front of bleachers, waving and smiling. Michelle Obama occasionally clapped her hands when she wasn't holding hands with the president.

Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, also left their limousine to acknowledge the crowds.

A Congressional Luncheon

President Barack Obama shares a moment with first lady Michelle Obama at the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall on inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol
President Barack Obama shares a moment with first lady Michelle Obama at the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary Hall on inauguration day at the U.S. Capitol (Allison Shelley/Getty Images)
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At a long  luncheon at the Capitol hosted by congressional leaders after his inauguration, Obama said he recognized that democracy isn't always easy and there are profound differences among those present.

But he said all present were serving because they believed they could make America better.

 

"Limitless" Possibilities

President Obama takes the oath of office for his second term
President Obama takes the oath of office for his second term (YouTube)
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Earlier, In his inaugural address, Obama declared the nation's possibilities as "limitless."

The President didn't dwell on any first-term accomplishments, but instead looked to hard work ahead in a country still grappling with a sluggish economy. And he urged Washington to find common ground over his next four years.

Obama earlier placed his hand on two Bibles -- one that was used by Martin Luther King and the other used by Abraham Lincoln -- and recited the oath of office. Vice President Joe Biden was also sworn in for his second term.

As required by the Constitution,  the oath of office was administered to Obama and ice President Joe Biden yesterday, January 20, in small, brief ceremonies.

A parade down Pennsylvania Avenue steps off at 2:30PM as some 60 units marching past the presidential reviewing stand including the Jackson Memorial Jaguar Marching Band.

A Tweet To Start The Day

President Barack Obama greets singer Beyonce after she performs the National Anthem
President Barack Obama greets singer Beyonce after she performs the National Anthem (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
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"Let's go," Obama tweeted Monday morning as he began the day of inaugural celebrations.

The president was cheered in the streets as his motorcade slowly made its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House and arrived at the Capitol.

Obama, along with his family and Vice President Joe Biden, began his day with a church service at St. John's Episcopal Church. Known as "The Church of the Presidents", St. John's is located just across from the White House on the other side of Lafayette Park. Pew 54 is known as "the president's pew" and is reserved for the commander in chief whenever he attends.




The Associated Press contributed to this story

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