First inauguration of Barack Obama
Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. This inauguration was the beginning of the first term of Obama as President and of Joe Biden as Vice President. The oath of office was given by Chief Justice John G. Roberts on the Lincoln Bible.
The ceremony was attended by more people than any event held in Washington, D.C. Based on the combined numbers of people there, people watching it on television and the Internet, it was one of the most-watched events ever by the global audience.
First Inauguration Of Barack Obama Media
U.S. service members prepare for the 56th Presidential Inauguration rehearsal in Washington, D.C., Jan. 11, 2009.
Obama aboard the Georgia 300 on January 17, 2009
The Obamas wave at the crowd at the We Are One concert held at the Lincoln Memorial on January 18, 2009.
Biden was sworn into office by Associate Justice John Paul Stevens on January 20, 2009.
Obama takes the oath of office on January 20, 2009, at the U.S. Capitol.
From left to right: Itzhak Perlman, Gabriela Montero, Yo-Yo Ma and Anthony McGill performing John Williams' "Air and Simple Gifts" at the inauguration. Obama officially became the 44th president at noon during this performance.
Obama being sworn in on the steps of the National Mall
President Obama (right) retakes the oath of office from Chief Justice Roberts at the White House on January 21, 2009. President Obama and Chief Justice Roberts stand near a portrait of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, designer and an early Architect of the Capitol.
President Obama after giving his first presidential speech
Former President George W. Bush looks at the U.S. Capitol as he is departing on a US Marine Corps helicopter after the inauguration.
