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How the day will unfold for Obama in Washington

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-01-20 07:47

TUESDAY, Jan 20

4 am (US eastern time, 0900 GMT)

Washington Metro opens. Authorities recommend those who want to watch the inauguration on large screens along the Mall arrive no earlier than this time.

7 am (1200 GMT) Parade route entry points open

8 am (1300 GMT)

The National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian Castle building open two hours early for visitors.

Gates open for those who received tickets to watch Obama take the oath of office in the area closest to the Capitol.

10 am (1500 GMT)

Inauguration festivities begin with a musical prelude on the west front of the US Capitol.

11:30 am (1630 GMT)

Official program begins. Joseph Biden will be sworn in as vice president and Obama will take the oath of office prior to noon.

Noon

Obama delivers his inaugural address. After the address, he will escort outgoing President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in the Capitol's Statuary Hall.

2:30 pm (1930 GMT)

Inaugural parade will make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to White House.

5:30 pm (2230 GMT)

The parade concludes.

Throughout the evening, there will be 10 official inaugural balls that Obama will attend.

WEDNESDAY, Jan 21

Obama and Biden will attend a National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral, ending the series of inaugural events.