Historic Inauguration

Is everyone as excited about our new President the way my family is? The next few years are going to be historical and I have great expectations that President Obama will change the course of our country. And after the last 8 years, we need all the changing we can get!

The swearing-in of the President of the United States occurs upon the commencement of a new term of a President of the United States. The United States Constitution mandates that the President make the following oath or affirmation before he or she can "enter on the Execution" of the office of the presidency:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

The newly elected or re-elected President traditionally adds "so help me God" to the constitutionally mandated statement.

Everyone is gearing up for the Presidential Inauguration next Tuesday. The swearing-in traditionally takes place at noon on Inauguration Day at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., with the Chief Justice of the United States administering the oath.

Saturday - January 17th -Obama and his family will kick off a "Whistle Stop Tour" from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Wilmington, Delaware, where they will be joined by Vice President-elect Joe Biden and his family and head for Baltimore, Maryland.

Sunday - January 18th - Official Inauguration events begin with a welcome event will be held in the afternoon at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to kick off the presidential inauguration.

Monday - January 19th - Martin Luther King Day - To honor King's legacy, Obama and Biden and their families will participate in activities dedicated to serving others in communities across the Washington, D.C. There will also be a series of bipartisan dinners will be held to highlight Obama's commitment to renewing America's promise via bipartisan accomplishment and a concert for U.S. children is scheduled for night to reflect a spirit of unity for Americans of all ages.

Tuesday - January 20th - Obama and Biden will be sworn in at noon on the West Front of the Capitol Hill, followed by a luncheon with all lawmakers in the Capitol's Saturday Hall and an inaugural parade along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. A total of 10 official inaugural balls will be held at different venues in Washington.

Wednesday - January 21st - Obama and Biden will participate in a National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral in the morning and begin their administration.

Like most Americans, my daughter and I will be watching the festivities from the comfort of our living room couch - making memories for the future. My hubby, on the other hand, will be in Washington, right in the thick of things. A crew from WLEX TV18 will be leaving for Washington on Saturday afternoon and are slated to return on Wednesday.