Obama Inauguration Parade

President Obama and his family are in their American-manufactured limo proceeding slowly along the parade route.

It's a cool license plate: USA1

They're near Fourth Street. If memory serves, this is very close to the federal courthouse where Fitzgerald prosecuted Libby not so long ago.

Cabinet: 7 confirmations from the Senate, not including Clinton.

Stupendous crowds causing delays even for people with tickets. Marcy reported on the crowds this morning and we will have more from Spencer and Gregg.

Somber reporting because of the scare with Senators Kennedy and Byrd being taken away, ill, from the Senate lunch. 

Updates for both Senators affirm they are in better condition than originally feared. 

Parade order in this Elliott diary - much appreciated.

Sample of participants:

* Representatives from the US Army, United States Military Academy & US Army Reserve
* Punahou School JROTC
* Punahou School Marching Band
* Whitney M. Young Magnet High School Navy JROTC
* Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corps
* Jesse White Tumbling Team
* Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band
* Crow Nation of Montana
* Paul Laurence Dunbar Senior High School Marching Band
* Illinois Home State Float
* Brooklyn Music and Arts Program
* Theodore Roosevelt High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard and Drill Team
* Colts Drum and Bugle Corps
* Klein Collins High School Air Force JROTC
* Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums

The schedule is something like an hour late, with participants along the parade route wondering why there is a delay.

Heavy cheers from the crowds as the President's car goes slowly forward.

Very visible and heavy security.

Will be riding until 15th Street, then walking. There is a different level of security check for people who are permitted in that area. Had some experience there.

Obama is getting out of the car by the Navy Memorial. Michelle and Barack walking now - way ahead of schedule - up Pennsylvania Avenue.

Walking by the National Archives. Our beloved Constitution. The Bill of Rights.

Crowds screaming with joy as the Obamas walk by.

The President and Mrs. Obama have gotten back into the car.

Must have been really cold - or perhaps the Secret Service reminded them this was not the plan.

The Obamas are walking again, will apparently walk the rest of the way as per the original plan. Stands are full to capacity.

Approaching the reviewing stand.

Speculation about whether they must be feeling cold. This is laughable. These are Chicago people who went to Boston to get warm.

Aaaand back into the car, to the White House.

Plenty of other groups still to come through as part of the parade. Traditionally a group from every state plus the service bands.

Obama's high school band coming by the reviewing stand. Local guy does well.

Not much air time for the photogenic Bidens. Striking red coat - imagine she is warm.

What you miss if you just watch the President go by is the over the top excitement of the bands and groups that participate in the parade.

They are jazzed. Freezing, but happy.

Obamas and Bidens can now watch the parade from a warm place.

Bidens crossing the North Lawn towad the reviewing stand. Obamas soon.

Obama family heading toward the reviewing stand - so sweet to see parents and children holding hands. Love the children's bright coats. Barack with the younger daughter.

Announcing the President and First Lady.

Entering the reviewing stand.

Hail to the Chief being played.

Delaware is well represented in the parade, as Biden's home state.

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crossposted 20 january 2009 at firedoglake