What takes place during the ceremony?
The sitting president and president-elect, as well as the vice president-elect, travel to the Capitol from the White House for the swearing-in ceremony. Weather varies, but it typically is close to the freezing point with a good chance of snow on the ground, according to historical data compiled by the National Weather Service. The president and vice president elect take the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., after which the new president delivers his inaugural address. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. on the west front of the Capitol, which faces the National Mall. Obama must be sworn in by noon. The schedule is as follows (read more about inaugural poet Elizabeth Alexander here and the complete biographies of all participants here): Musical Selections The United States Marine Band Musical Selections The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Invocation Dr. Rick Warre
