Presidential Inauguration Preparations Underway

On Tuesday, January 20th, President-elect Barack Obama will take the oath of office on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, the President will ride in an inaugural parade, complete with floats, horses, military units and marching bands, from the Capitol to the Presidential reviewing stand on the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest.

The National Park Service has been directly involved in all inaugurals in Washington since FDR was President – a total of 19 inaugurals over more than 70 years. Key NPS inaugural areas include the National Mall (used for staging for the inaugural), Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site (the parade route), and Lafayette Square (site of a news media reviewing stand opposite the Presidential reviewing stand, which is located on the north side of the White House).

The NPS works directly with the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), issuing permits to the PIC for use of the National Mall from 1st Street westward to 14th Street. Under the PIC's direction, military bands, floats and other parade participants assemble on the National Mall before joining the inaugural parade. The PIC will also establish a news media center where it will credential news media covering the event.

This event has been declared a National Special Security Event (NSSE) and the United States Secret Service is serving as the lead federal law enforcement agency. The United States Park Police will be fully supporting this historic event. The goal, working in conjunction with numerous participating agencies, is for a seamless security plan that will create a safe and secure environment for President-elect Obama and his family, other dignitaries, event participants, and the general public. 

Large crowds are expected for this historic event.  The USPP and NPS have extensive experience dealing with events attracting large crowds, from the annual Independence Day celebration to the millennium New Year’s celebration.  Preparations include a comprehensive analysis of the security and logistical requirements for the event.  A unified command will be established in conjunction with partnering public safety, emergency management, and transportation organizations.