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Presidential Inauguration 2013

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Patch Photos: The 2013 Presidential Inaugural at the National Mall

The swearing-in ceremony for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, Monday in Washington, DC.

Supporters traveled near and far to witness the swearing-in ceremonies for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, for their second terms of office, Monday. Unofficial crowd estimates said that one million people were on hand for the event. It was a long day for the Obama family, starting out at 8:30 a.m. with a church service across the street from the White House at St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square. From there, the first family, the president, first lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha returned to the White House. After a coffee with members of Congress, the group headed in a motorcade from the White House to Capitol Hill. The president and vice president took their ceremonial oaths of office just …

VIDEO: Inaugural Attendees Want Tougher President in His Next Term

Supporters hopeful President Obama will do more for middle-class America.

Lisa Hightower didn’t attend President Barack Obama’s first inauguration four years ago and refused to miss this one. Hightower, who traveled from Brooklyn, N.Y. with her children, said they wouldn’t miss this inauguration for the world. With a full plate of issues, including trying to change the nation's gun laws, Hightower said the next four years could be very trying for Obama. “I expect our president will be challenged,” Hightower said. “This is about our future.” Thousands of people filled the National Mall to hear the president’s inaugural address and try to snap photos of him during the parade. Some were vocal about their wish list for the president, hoping he does more to unite Democrats and Republicans while others voiced their …

Monday, January 21, 2013

Virginia Inaugural Ball: 'You Can't Help But Feel Optimistic'

No rest for the weary: Democrats gear up for tough 2013 state races.

An estimated 1,100 people attended the Virginia Inaugural Ball on Sunday at the Westin Arlington Gateway to celebrate the second inauguration of President Barack Obama — and gear up for key statewide elections in 2013. "Everybody is happy. Everybody is excited. It's a feel-good moment for everyone who worked on a campaign," Arlington County Democratic Chairman Mike Lieberman told Patch before speaking to the crowd. "The president is right to feel good about this weekend. You can't help but be optimistic. There's a lot of criticism of our government out there, and some of it is deserved. But there's also a lot of reason for optimism. And coming out of the last election, we see a lot of opportunities." See photos from the Virginia Inaugural …

Photos: Virginia Inaugural Ball

Photos from the Virginia Inaugural Ball on Sunday in Arlington.

This year's Virginia Inaugural Ball took place Sunday night at the Westin Arlington Gateway.  U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, along with Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Terry McAuliffe and others attended. The Democratic Party of Virginia and the Arlington County Democratic Committee hosted the event.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

2013 Presidential Inauguration Survival Guide

If you're heading downtown, you'll need to know how to get in, get around and navigate the crowds. Free advice here!

While the crowds may not be as intense as in 2009, when an estimated 1.8 million people came to D.C. for President Barack Obama’s inauguration, there’s still a lot of info you need to know to survive the day. From Metro closures and changes to where to eat and how to stay warm, Patch has you covered. Do you live or work here in Fairfax City? Keep up with local news by signing up for our free daily email newsletter here! Transportation Metro – If you're driving to a metro station to take it into town, know that some metro stations will be closed, and some bus routes will be detoured. See our guide to taking Metro this weekend.  Driving – Driving is definitely not recommended. If you’re still thinking about driving downtown, be prepared to …

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Inauguration Forecast: Chance of Snow Showers

As Obama takes the oath on Jan. 21, temperatures could be in the low 30s with some winter weather possible Monday.

The weather forecast for President Barack Obama's second inauguration calls for temperatures in the 30s, and those cold temperatures may be paired with some snow flakes. But temperatures will begin to fall below freezing overnight Sunday and early into Monday and will just begin reaching the upper 30s as the event begins. The National Weather Service says temperatures may reach up to 38 degrees in Washington on Monday. Winds will be up to 10 mph.  The view should be unobstructed for the main event at noon under partly sunny skies, but the NWS suggests scattered snow showers may begin after 1 p.m. There's a 30 percent chance of precipitation. If you're going, here are some tips for what to wear to watch the inauguration ceremony. And we …

What's Up With the Metro: Inauguration Weekend

A look at what you need to know about Metro for Inauguration Weekend.

Metro is not performing any scheduled track work anywhere on the system Inauguration Weekend, but there are service advisories in effect. Read up on Patch's other Metro-related Inauguration Weekend information: According to a Metro news release, the following is a summary of Metro service plans for Inauguration Weekend 2013: On Saturday, January 19: On Sunday, January 20: On Inauguration Day, Monday, January 21:

Friday, January 18, 2013

Fire Chief Rohr to be Honored at Inaugural Ball

MDA nominated Rohr for the honor based on his Fill the Boot efforts in Fairfax City.

Fairfax City Fire Chief Dave Rohr will be honored at an annual inaugural ball dedicated to making note of citizens who work to improve the lives of others on a daily basis. The fifth annual All American Inaugural Ball will honor about a dozen "selfless citizens" at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill after the inauguration on Jan. 20. Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Greater Washington MDA office nominated Rohr for his help in implementing Fairfax City's Fill the Boot program and for keeping it strong during his near two years at the city fire department. “Chief Rohr was instrumental in implementing the City of Fairfax’s Fill the Boot program and has worked hard with the city council to keep it safe for his firefighters and citizens during …

Inaugural 2013 App Has Tools for Attendees, Viewers

Maps, schedules, social network and more for Obama's ceremonial swearing in.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee has released a free official app for attendees at the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday, as well as for those watching from home. The app includes a schedule of events, maps, volunteer opportunities, a feed for social networking, behind-the-scenes videos and photos and a live stream available Monday for those who won't be there. The app is available on iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Click here to download the app. Steve Kerrigan, President and CEO of the Inaugural Committee, said in a statement the app is for Americans across the country to share in this moment in history. "Whether you're in Washington, DC or any other part of the nation, there are plenty of ways to be involved in …

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Driving to the Inauguration? Difficult, but Doable

Many roads will be blocked off, parking will be dicey.

Thinking of driving to the inauguration, are you? Access will be limited, but it can be done—just be ready to sit in a lot of traffic. “Because Inauguration Day falls on a legal public holiday — the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. — this year, tens of thousands of local residents of the District, Virginia, and Maryland will also be in attendance," at the 2013 presidential inauguration, warns Martha Mitchell Meade, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Manager of Public and Government Affairs, in a news release. "... Motorists should keep a full tank of gasoline in their vehicles, just in case they are stranded or stuck in traffic," she noted. "Inauguration goers should have a fully charged cell phone. Because use may be limited, send a text message to …

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