WASHINGTON, January 17, 2013 — The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) has announced the official times of the actual Inaugural Events for this weekend, from Saturday’s National Day of Service and Children’s Concert to Tuesday’s National Prayer Service.
Before the release of the finalized times, many of the previous times given were guesstimates by PIC. Now you can see who and what will be where and when:
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19
National Day of Service Summit on the National Mall — 9:30 a.m. EST
Location: The National Mall
The First and Second Families have put out a call to action for all Americans to join together in service, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As part of the 57th Presidential Inauguration, the 2013 PIC is encouraging all Americans to participate in a National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19, a tradition started by the Obamas at their first Inaugural four years ago. As part of this Day of Service, the Inaugural Committee will host a Service Summit on the National Mall, with service events in all 50 states. It is open to the public.
In addition to the Service Summit on Saturday, the President, Vice President, and their families will also participate in service events in Washington DC.
Kids’ Inaugural Concert — 6:00 p.m. EST
Location: Washington Convention Center
Obamas dancing at 2009 Inaugural Ball AP
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will host the Kids’ Inaugural for America’s children and families as part of their ongoing commitment to military families. The concert continues a tradition they started in 2009 that builds on initiatives like Joining Forces by honoring and celebrating the service and sacrifice of our U.S. military as part of official Inaugural activities. It is open by invitation only to families of armed forces members.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 20
Vice President Biden’s Official Swearing-In — 8:15 a.m. EST.
Location: Naval Observatory. Open only to the press.
President Obama’s Official Swearing-In — 11:55 a.m. EST
Location: Blue Room of the White House. Open only to White House press.
Historically, Inaugural Ceremonies are not held on a Sunday because the courts and other public institutions are not open. This year, in accordance with the requirements of the United States Constitution, President Obama and Vice President Biden will officially be sworn-in on Sunday, January 20, 2013.
MONDAY, JANUARY 21
Ceremonial Swearing-In —11:30 a.m. EST
Location: President Barack Obama will once again be given the oath of office by Chief Justice John Roberts on the Capitol steps . Open to the public with ticketed seating or free standing on the Mall. Large TV screens will be positioned on the Mall.
Inaugural Parade — 2:35 p.m. EST
Location: Following the Inaugural Luncheon with Congress in the Capitol, the President and Vice President and their wives will lead the parade to the White House.
Open to the public with viewing stands, bleachers and standing sites along Pennsylvania Avenue. This year’s parade features participants, floats and vehicles representing more than 58 groups.
[To read more on security at the Inauguration and Parade, go to: Inauguration 2013 — Dos and Donts for event attendees]
The Commander-in-Chief’s Inaugural Ball — 6:00 p.m. EST
President George W. and Laura Bush at the 2005 Inaugural Ball AP
Location: Washington Convention Center
As he did at his first Inauguration in 2009, President Obama will host the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball to honor America’s brave service members and their families, a tradition started by President George W. Bush in 2005. Active duty and reserve military, Medal of Honor recipients, and wounded warriors and their spouses will attend. Troops from around the world will also be able to join the celebration virtually.
The Inaugural Ball — 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. EST
Location: Washington Convention Center
Halls A, B and C — doors open at 6:30 p.m. EST.
Halls D and E — doors open at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Americans across the country have been invited to share in the celebration at the second Inaugural Ball, a unified celebration for all Americans that will span every hall in the Convention Center. Tickets are sold out.
Other balls hosted by states, corporations and organizations are scattered across Washington DC in hotels and museums. Some tickets are still available.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22
National Prayer Service — 10:30 a.m. EST
Location: Washington National Cathedral
Open to the press and dignitaries only. President Obama, Vice President Biden and their spouses will attend a prayer service on Tuesday morning.
There will be live TV coverage of all of the major events including the two official Inaugural Balls. Information on the TV schedule will be released shortly.
Also of interest:
2013 Inauguration: Willard Hotel, hotel of presidents, ready to party
Inauguration 2013: The Inaugural Parade to march down Pennsylvania Avenue
Want to see the 2013 Inauguration and Parade? Here’s how
2013 Inauguration: How much will it cost you?
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