The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has just announced the official program for the inauguration of America’s 44th president (Barack Obama). Without official tickets for admission, you can still take part in the show if you snag a seat up close on the National Mall closest to the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Aretha Franklin, Yo-Yo Ma, and Itzhak Perlman are among the scheduled guests.
From the official release of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the order of the program (with artist biographies) will be as follows:
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 Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA
Musical Selection
Aretha Franklin
Oath of Office Administered to Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
By Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
The Honorable John Paul Stevens
Musical Selection, John Williams, composer/arranger
Itzhak Perlman, Violin
Yo-Yo Ma, Cello
Gabriela Montero, Piano
Anthony McGill, Clarinet
Oath of Office Administered to President-elect Barack H. Obama
By the Chief Justice of the United States
The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.
Inaugural Address
The President of the United States, The Honorable Barack H. Obama
Poem
Elizabeth Alexander
Benediction
The Reverend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
The National Anthem
The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanters”
Apparently at this point, lots of people are being announced and seated on Freedom Plaza. The whole schedule is behind about 15 minutes because they got out of church late. Kind of ironic there.
Lots of controversy also surrounds the day and the guests, appointments and including the president-elect. While I didn’t vote for him, as my president, I will speak honorably about him as much as possible and will show the respect due him in his office. I want to like the man, and I can. It’s his values and beliefs I do not agree with or like.
Ok, now the military color guard is entering. Anytime I see our military in action, I get all tingly knowing that they serve and protect our nation.
Here is the mother of Joe Biden. She is 92 and the boss of her family, so they say. Behind her is the first Bush president and Barbara Bush. Now President Carter and his wife. All four former presidents and their wives are there along with the Obamas. History in the making.
Mom in Mental Motion 
Deena said
I just got to say that I am really enjoying your commentary. I am stuck at work for the next hour with no news channel access (These scoundrels want to keep us in the dark) and I can’t wait to get home so I can turn on the TV. Thanks for the updates!