Barack Obama

It’s only after the oath has been taken that the President can enter on the execution of the office of presidency.

Like all preceding US presidents, Barack Obama will take the US Presidential Oath:

“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 swearing-in ceremony and the oath taking usually happens at the United States Capitol in Washington DC.

The current Chief Justice of USA, John. G Roberts will administer the Presidential oath of Office to President Barack Obama. In 2005, the Presidential Oath of Office was administered to George W. Bush by the then Chief Justice of USA William Rehnquist.

Before President Barack Obama is sworn in during The Presidential Oath of Office, Vice-President Joe Biden will be sworn in.

John F Kennedy after attending Mass, before the US Presidential Oath of Office

Historically, before the swearing-in ceremony is conducted, president-elects go for morning worship service, ever since Franklin D. Roosevelt attended the St. John’s Episcopal  Church before the Presidential Oath of Office.

After the swearing-in ceremony, President Obama will give his presidential inaugural address. The practice of inaugural addresses started with the Presidential Oath of Office of the first US President George Washington in April 30, 1789.

JFK gives his Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961

In the inaugural address, the US president-elect outlines his vision of America and political values that will govern the country. In the past, the inaugural addresses have seen some fantastic speeches from the likes of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, that are quoted to this day.

The inaugural address of President Barack Obama will be held on the west front of the United States Capitol.

After the inaugural address, President Obama will be taken for the Inaugural luncheon, traditionally held at the Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol.

Ronald and Nancy Reagan at the Presidential Inaugural Parade

The luncheon will be followed by the Inaugural parade in which Barack Obama and Joe Biden will lead a procession to the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue. The parade will consist of citizens, ceremonial military regiments, citizens’ groups, marching bands, and floats.

John F Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy at the Presidential Inaugural Ball in 1961

Following that, the Presidential Inaugural Ball will be held on the night of January 20, 2008, in Washington DC.