Inauguration Day 2013: Barack Obama Begins Second Term on MLK Day

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Monday, January 21, 2013

All eyes have turned to Washington, D.C. on Monday as Inauguration Day 2013 has made a rare intersection with Martin Luther King Day.

The federal holiday occurs every four years on Jan. 20, but because the event landed on a Sunday this year, Inauguration Day is being observed Monday- Martin Luther King Day.

President Obama made a private oath of office on Sunday, with the public swearing-in scheduled for Monday morning before hundreds of thousands visitors expected to watch in the nation's capital.

Inauguration Day is marked by the president making an oath or affirmation before that person can "enter on the Execution" of the office of presidency, as mandated by the United States Constitution.

Although the U.S. Presidential Inauguration swearing-in ceremony has evolved over the years, many presidents continue to follow certain touches added by past presidents.

For example, kissing the Bible, closing with the words, "so help me God," the inaugural ball and the inaugural parade have all become traditions that new presidents follow, according to inauguralscholar.com.

Some of today's biggest stars are slated to perform during Inauguration Day celebrations, including Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, and Usher.

Moreover, Beyonce has reportedly been tapped to sing the National Anthem, while Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor were selected to sing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" and "America the Beautiful," respectively as the Commander-in-Chief is sworn in.

Inauguration Day will also see performances by John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marc Anthony, and many more, according to E! News.

The stars will appear at festivities including at balls as well as the Kids' Inaugural Concert, which was hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama on Saturday.

On Twitter, Inauguration Day, #inaug2013, and Happy Martin Luther King Day are all trending topics.

The timeline of Inauguration 2013 events begins with a performance by fifth-grade chorus students from Public School 22 in Staten Island at 9:30 a.m. EST, according to Reuters.

Next, at 10 a.m., the U.S. Marine Band performs.

At 11:14 a.m., First Lady Michelle Obama takes her seat, with Vice President Joe Biden following suit at 11:18 a.m. Then, at 11:20, President Barack Obama takes his seat.

Providing a unique and special invocation, Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of slain Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers, will take the stage at 11:35 a.m.

At 11:38 a.m., The Brooklyn, New York Tabernacle Choir will sing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will administer the vice presidential oath of office to Vice President Biden at 11:46 a.m., and at 11:50, James Taylor will perform "America the Beautiful."

At 11:55 a.m., U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the presidential oath of office to President Obama.

Trumpets are to perform "Ruffles and Flourishes" at 11:56 a.m. and the U.S. Marine Band is slated to perform "Hail to the Chief," followed by a 21-gun salute.

At 12 p.m., President Obama will delivers the inaugural address.

For a full list of the schedule beyond the address, visit here.