Obama starts second presidential term ahead of public inaugural

Washington, DC, United States (4E) – Reelected President Barack Obama takes his oath of office at the White House Sunday noon, but the public swearing in and inauguration of his second term will be held Monday.

Vice President Joe Biden takes his oath at the Naval Observatory at past 8 a.m. Sunday, after which he and Obama will travel to Arlington National Cemetery for a traditional wreath-laying ceremony.

Later, the Obamas will watch Latino performers at the Kennedy Center and the Let Freedom Ring concert later. Next, the couple will attend two inaugural balls before the President caps the night with a speech to donors at a Candlelight Celebration and the National Building Museum.

At his public inaugural at the Capitol the next day, the 17th and first black U.S. president will speak about his vision for his second term, but not his policy, which he will bare at his State of the Union Address on Feb. 12. He is still finalizing his speech. After his inaugural address, he and Biden will join the traditional parade from Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

Obama and Biden, together with their wives, started inaugural activities Saturday by volunteering in National Day of Service activities. The President and First Lady Michelle Obama helped volunteers stain a bookcase at the Burrville Elementary School in Washington. The Vice President and Jill Biden were at the National Guard Armory in Washington putting up care packages for troops overseas.

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