President Obama officially started his second term of presidency on Sunday, Jan. 20. The ceremony was one of many celebratory events during the 2013 Presidential Inauguration weekend.
Americans were able to view the Official Swearing-In live on television. This year is the first year this portion of the ceremony was broadcasted to the public. Just minutes before noon, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. administered the oath to Obama for the second time.
The day prior to accepting his second term, the President kicked off his inaugural weekend on Saturday with a National Day of Service that he encouraged all citizens to participate in. Obama began the National Day of Service in 2009 as part of his first presidential term initiation. He hopes to have the tradition continued by future presidents.
President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden as well as the first ladies all volunteered in the local D.C. area.
Saturday was also the day of the Kids Inaugural Concert, which included artists such as Katy Perry and Usher. Hosted by Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Biden, the star-filled concert paid tribute to military spouses and children.
The most eventful day of inaugural festivities began with the Ceremonial Swearing-In Ceremony on Monday, Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Day. The service included music selections from Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and the National Anthem sung by Beyoncé.
With bibles used by President Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., President Obama was sworn in for the second time along with Vice President Joe Biden.
The Inaugural Luncheon was directly after the swearing-in, a tradition for American Presidents since 1953. Hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), this year’s lunch menu included lobster, bison and apple pie. After lunch the President and Vice President walked for three blocks down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House as a part of the Inaugural Parade.
Concluding the weekend of events were two official Presidential balls including the Commander-in-Chief Ball and the Inaugural Ball. During the first ball, Mr. and Mrs. Obama danced with members of the armed forces in honor of the U.S. military and their families. They ended the night at the Inaugural Ball with performers that included Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keyes, Black Violin, Brad Paisley, Smokey Robinson, members from the cast of Glee and Stevie Wonder.
