The inaugural weekend kicked-off with a kid’s concert honoring military families. The event was hosted by first lady Michelle Obama and vice president Joe Biden’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden. Dr. Biden introduced first lady, and partner Michelle Obama after briefly thanking the military families for their effort and expressing her appreciation for their service.
First lady Michelle Obama also thanked the military families for protecting the country and delivered a brief speech, where she expressed her appreciation to the military families, indicating how proud she was of their service, and stated that their sacrifice is what makes America a great country. She then introduced pop culture star Katy Perry.
The concert also featured performances by Usher, Nick Cannon, Mindless Behavior, the cast of Glee, Black Violin, the Soul Children of Chicago and the Far East Movement.
President Obama cut back on the number of inaugural balls due to the economic conditions of the country. But despite the harsh economic conditions, the expense of the inaugural preparations and inaugural balls are inevitable.
An estimated security force of 12,000 officers from various sources is estimated to tighten security around the capitol during inaugural weekend, including military police, capitol police, the national guard and the local police force. The department of homeland security (DHS) and the FBI will also provide additional security during the event.
The official inauguration will take place at the Washington Capitol on January 21, 2012. The ceremony is expected to draw large crowds of approximately 600,000 people.
The festivities will include the presidential swearing-in, the inaugural parade, and the inaugural address followed by various inaugural balls and galas honoring the president of the United States.
President Obama is optimistic about the future of America and believes that the next four years will finally bring about the change that is essential to improve the status of the nation. The inaugural theme “Faith in America’s Future” appropriately supports his optimistic view and perseverance. The festivities will also honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his day.
In its inaugural address to the nation, president Obama is expected to touch on the issues that continue to hunt the nation; the financial crisis – namely, the fiscal cliff, spending cuts, the proposed raise of the debt ceiling, gun control, job creation, the national infrastructure, national security, international security measures to prevent further Al Qaeda attacks, the end of the war, the economy, healthcare reform, immigration, foreign policy, and taxes.
In the next four years, president Obama will continue to face the lingering and tough economic crisis, and many other issues that remain unresolved; but most importantly, a divided government which refuses to compromise, putting at risk the future of America.
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