Obama begins his second term at noon on Sunday, Jan. 20, and is planning a private swearing in at the White House with limited press coverage. His public inauguration will be on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Monday, Jan. 21, since the ceremony is not traditionally held on Sundays.
Obama is kicking off the inaugural weekend by asking Americans to participate in a National Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 19. He plans to end the festivities with a special prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, Jan. 22.
"The beginning of President Obama's second term will be marked by the acknowledgement and celebration of the role of people of faith in American life," Presidential Inaugural Committee spokeswoman Addie Whisenant said in a statement Tuesday announcing the prayer service. "President Obama's own faith has played an integral role in his life, his commitment to service and his presidency, and this important tradition will celebrate the values and diversity that make us strong."
The Presidential Inaugural Committee has yet to announce details of some other inaugural events, including the number of official balls the president plans to attend. Organizers have said there will be fewer parties than the 10 Obama had four years ago and that they will all be held at the Washington Convention Center.
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Online:
Updated list of invited participants: http://2013pic.org/about/parade
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