1.When is Inauguration Day?
Inauguration Day is Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, which is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Constitution mandates that the inauguration take place on Jan. 20, but because Jan. 20 falls on a Sunday this year, a small private ceremony will be held on Sunday ahead of the public ceremony on Monday.
2. When and where is the swearing-in?
The times for Vice President Biden’s and President Obama’s swearing-in have not been released. The swearing-in takes place on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. After the swearing-in, there is an inaugural luncheon for the president at the Capitol, attended by the president, vice president, cabinet members, Supreme Court justices and Congressional leadership, among others. The inaugural parade follows the luncheon and runs from the Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
3. Who plans inauguration?
The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies plans the ceremony at the Capitol. That committee is chaired by Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and includes Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Speaker of the House John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). The JCCIC also is responsible for the swearing-in ceremonies and the inaugural luncheon. The parade and other inauguration events outside the Capitol are organized by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, with participants selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. The official inaugural balls are planned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Read more.
4. What are the themes?
“Faith in America’s Future” is the theme selected for this year by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. The Presidential Inaugural Committee will announce its theme later.
Read more.
5. How do you get tickets to the inauguration?
Members of Congress receive an allotment of free tickets to distribute to the public. You should contact your representative or senators to inquire about securing tickets.
Click here to find out who represents you.
6. How do I follow inauguration news on social media?
The official, verified account of the inauguration is @obamainaugural. That account has been promoting the hashtag #inaug2013.
Click here to follow our inauguration Twitter list.
7. How do I get tickets to the official inaugural balls?
Dancing the night away with an evening of inaugural glamour is going to be harder this year than it was last time around. In 2009, the Presidential Inaugural Committee designated 10 balls as “official” balls, and President Obama attended all of them. This time, there are only two that the Obamas are scheduled to attend, and the only one the public could buy tickets for sold out prematurely because of a Ticketmaster glitch. There are plenty of unofficial inaugural events, including self-described “balls” at nightclubs and lounges, but you don’t always know who’s behind them, and they’re often not that much different from a Friday night at the club. If you want something approaching the inaugural ball experience of your dreams, your best bet is getting tickets for a ball hosted by one of the many state societies based in Washington. Going Out Guide has a list of recommended State society balls.
See the list.
8. What is the National Day of Service?
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will continue a tradition they began before the 2009 swearing-in by participating in volunteer projects on the “National Day of Service” on Saturday, Jan. 19. The first couple is encouraging Americans to participate in service projects on that day.
Find out how you can volunteer.
9. What other official and unofficial events are happening in Washington around the inauguration?
Our Going Out Gurus are posting the concerts and cultural events happening in the Washington area around the inaugural.
Read their posts on entertainment options.
10. How should I get to and from the inaugural festivities?
Washington’s transportation systems, including streets, metro and bus lines, are all drastically different on inauguration day due to security precautions and to accommodate large crowds. Dr. Gridlock has the latest information on street closures, Metro lines and bus routes. Even if you aren’t heading to the inauguration, check Dr. Gridlock to find out how your route anywhere in Washington could be altered on Inauguration Day. You can also find transportation maps for Inauguration Day on inauguration.dc.gov
11. What can and can’t I bring with me to attend the inauguration ceremony?
Inauguration parade and swearing-in ceremony attendees must undergo a security screening before entering any viewing areas. D.C. government’s inauguration Web site has a full list of items that are not allowed in the viewing areas.
12. Are you going to the inauguration?
If you’re attending the inauguration, what motivates you: patriotism, a personal connection or something else? Share the story of why you’re coming here, or via Twitter or Instagram with #imthere.
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