As the preliminary schedule  of events for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States is finalized the excitement continues to build. On January 20, 2008 millions worldwide are looking forward to attending the historical inauguration. For the first time in history, the entire length of the National Mall will be open to the public to allow as many people as possible to participate in this historic day. The chosen inauguration theme is "Renewing America’s Promise."

In a  statement released by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), Barack Obama said, "At this moment of great challenge and great change, renewing the promise of America begins with renewing the idea that in America, we rise or fall as one nation and one people. That sense of unity and shared purpose is what this Inauguration will reflect."

President-elect Barack Obama is echoing President Lincoln’s call in words and in symbolism 147 years later,. During his swearing in ceremony as the 44th President of the United States, Obama will be placing his hand upon the same burgundy velvetbound Bible that was used by President Lincoln at his first inauguration. PIC is responsible for planning inaugural events such as the inaugural parade and official inaugural balls. The JCCIC is responsible for planning the swearing-in ceremonies for President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden.

The historic celebration of events will begin on Saturday, January 17 when President-Elect Barack Obama will board a train in Philadelphia enroute to DC for the inauguration. He will then stop in Wilmington, Delaware to join and pick up Vice President-Elect Joe Biden for a celebration in Baltimore.

The official inaugural activities begin with a welcome event on Sunday afternoon. This event will be open to the public.

Monday, January 19th will be a day of celebration nationwide as America celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. From the Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC): "In 1994, to further commemorate a man who lived his life in service to others, Congress transformed the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday into a national day of community service. To honor Dr. King’s legacy, the President-elect and Vice President-elect and their families, like Americans in communities all across the country, will participate in activities dedicated to serving others in communities across the Washington, D.C. area."

There will also be a free youth concert in the evening at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington. A ticket is needed for admittance.

On inauguration Day the Obamas and the Bidens and their families will participate in the inaugural ceremonies and the traditional events, including the swearing-in ceremony on the West Front of the United States Capitol.

The Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC) is charged with helping to incorporate the armed forces into the Inaugural Day activities. They also help coordinate volunteers and participants on behalf of PIC, but the AFIC does not choose the participants.

Following the swearing in, inauguration activities will also include a luncheon in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall, the 56th Inaugural Parade and standing in line." Event tickets for the event are going for $275. The All American Inaugural Ball will be a toast to American culture featuring multiple areas of entertainment and attractions—which represent the diversity and energy of America.

It also features wide screens with a simulcast of the other inaugural activities and balls. On Wednesday, January 21st, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will participate in a prayer service. PIC’s website, www.pic2009.org, is active and will be the place to go for information on inaugural events other than the events at the U.S. Capitol. Anyone interested in signing up to receive updates or to submit a 
resume for job or volunteer opportunities should also visit the PIC’s website.

Please visit inglewoodtoday.com for the Countdown to the Inauguration.