21 January 2009
Amid Inauguration Day Festivities, Work Gets Done
President signs first proclamation shortly after taking oath
Washington — Barack Obama’s first day in office was a celebratory one, as he participated in American traditions dating back to the nation’s earliest days.
President Obama took the oath of office shortly after noon January 20 and gave an inaugural address that touched on his desire to renew America’s leadership. (See “Barack Obama Becomes 44th President of the United States.”)
After saying goodbye to their predecessors, the Bushes, Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were guests at a congressional luncheon at the U.S. Capitol. They received gifts and were the recipients of toasts made in their honor.
The Obamas then traveled the 2.4-kilometer parade route from the Capitol to their new home, the White House. They left their limousine twice to walk in the street, surrounded by sidewalks packed with cheering onlookers. From a specially designed viewing stand on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Obamas and Vice President Joe Biden and his wife watched as about 90 groups and bands — including a group that came from Obama’s childhood school in Hawaii (more than 7,700 kilometers from Washington) — performed in the parade.
The evening of Inauguration Day was filled with glamour as the Obamas visited 10 inaugural balls, joining thousands dressed in gowns and tuxedos who eagerly awaited a glimpse of the first couple dancing.
Each ball had a different theme. Some were organized by states, including a ball hosted by Obama’s home states of Hawaii and Illinois. There was also a youth ball, a neighborhood ball for Washington residents and a ball for members of the military and their families.
Americans watched videos clips from the balls on television and on the Internet, paying particular attention to the first lady’s dress. A president’s spouse is often viewed as a style icon, and Americans traditionally have been especially interested in seeing the new first lady’s first formal dress. Michelle Obama chose a one-shoulder ivory chiffon gown. It was designed by 26-year-old Jason Wu, a Taiwanese American.
Despite the festive occasion, the president made serious remarks at the Commander in Chief’s Ball that honored members of the military and their families.
“It is wonderful to be surrounded by some of the very best and bravest Americans. Your courage, grace and your patriotism inspire us all. To you, and to all those watching around the world, know that as president, I will have no greater honor or responsibility than serving as your commander in chief,” Obama said.
“Every single day that I am in the White House, I will try to serve you as well as you are serving the United States of America,” he said.
“So tonight, we celebrate, but tomorrow the work begins,” the president said.
OBAMA’S FIRST DAY ON THE JOB
Work began for the president shortly after taking office. Just two hours after reciting the oath, the president signed his first proclamation, one declaring January 20 a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation. The proclamation is a “call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this nation for our new century,” Obama said. (See the full text of the proclamation on the White House Web site.)
Soon after, Obama officially nominated his appointments to the Cabinet.
Executive branch business continued on Inauguration Day. Hours after Obama took the oath, his chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, issued a memo to government agencies ordering them to halt implementation of any regulations adopted in the final days of the Bush presidency if those rules had not yet taken effect. These regulations will be reviewed by the agencies’ new leaders, the memo said.
The Obama administration also issued one of its first military directives January 20, asking military prosecutors to suspend prosecution of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for 120 days. This action was viewed by some legal experts as a first step toward eventually closing the detention facility. (See “Obama Will Close Guantanamo Facility, Rejects Use of Torture.”)
Obama’s first full day on the job January 21 began with a prayer service at Washington’s National Cathedral. The service is another inauguration tradition. Participants included more than 20 clergy representing Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other denominations. For the first time at a post-inauguration prayer service, a woman delivered the sermon.
The prayer service was followed by an “open house” at the White House for invited members of the public. Obama also met with economic and military officials.
More information about the Obama administration can be found on the revamped White House Web site.
