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Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president. Photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo.

10 Things you need to know about Barrack Obama’s First Inauguration as President

Barack Hussein Obama was the 44^th president of the United States from 20^th January 2009 to 2017. He was born on the 4^th of August, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States.  His Barack Obama Sr. was from Kenya and eventually got a scholarship to study in United State and became an economist in the Kenya government. His Mother, S. Ann Dunham grew up in Texas but later her family settled in Honolulu. Barack Obama had a successful career in politics before he ran for the presidency. He was elected to the Illinois senate in 1996 and later in 2004, he was elected to the United States Senate after defeating Alan Keyes. He announced his interest to run for the state’s presidency in February 2007 at the Old State Capital in Springfield, Illinois. He won the Democratic Party’s nomination to seek the presidency in 2008 with a surprising victory after defeating Hillary Clinton who was the favorite to win the nomination. He won the elections with about 53% of the total votes and 365 electoral votes after which he was sworn in on the 20^th of January 2009.

Below are 10 things you need to know about Barrack Obama’s First Inauguration as President

1. His Inauguration set a Record Attendance for any Other Event Held Worldwide

Crowds watch the inauguration at the National Mall. Photo by Thomas Meneguin.

The inauguration of Barack Obama marked the largest ever attended event in the city of Washington. This was the 56^th inauguration of the United State with Obama being sworn in as the 44^th President of the United States and Joe Biden as the Vice President. Combining the attendance from the internet traffic, attendance numbers, and television viewers it was one of the most viewed events ever in the world. According to the District of Columbia, about one million and eight hundred people witnessed the inauguration against the record of one million and two hundred people who attended the inauguration of Lyndon B. Johnson.

Check out: Top 10 Remarkable Facts about the Election of Barack Obama

2. Obama Placed his Hand on a Bible Held by His Wife

Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president. Photo by Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo.

Barrack Obama’s inauguration day was quite a moment for the whole world. The crowds stretched from the Capitol Building to the Washington Monument. However, it was just before noon when the president and the vice president took an oath of office. The oath was administered by Chief Justice John Robert Jr. While he took the oath of office, he placed his hands on a bible held by his wife.

3. The Inaugural Theme was 鈥淎 New Birth of Freedom鈥�

The Phrase “A New Birth of Freedom” by Gettysburg Address was used as the inauguration theme that was used to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the birth year of Abraham Lincoln. Consequently, Obama in his speech referred to Abraham Lincoln’s idea which expressed national unity, renewal, and continuity. In his speech, he stressed the need for a sense of responsibility that was a solution to the American’s challenges and the need for shared sacrifice.

4. Obama鈥檚 Inauguration speech lasted Twenty Minutes

The President after giving his first presidential speech. Photo by Chad J. McNeeley.

In his speech that lasted for only twenty minutes, Obama addressed the challenges that faced Americans and gave people the hope they dearly looked for. He addressed the continued terrorism and racial extremism, failing schools, loss of confidence from the people in America’s failed promises, and the high cost of living. Amid these failing promises, he offered a message of optimism and rejuvenation.

Discover: Top 10 Astonishing Facts about Barack Obama

5. He attended the Traditional Inaugural Luncheon after the Inauguration

President Obama addresses the luncheon attendees. Photo by U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms.

After the official inauguration, Obama headed to the traditional inaugural luncheon in Statuary Hall. This was the House of Representatives which is the lower house of Congress that plays a great role in the legislation of law. After that, Obama and his wife traveled to Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. They were accompanied by the fifteen-thousand-person inaugural parade.

6. The Inauguration was Executed by two Committee

The inauguration of President Barack Obama was executed by two planning committees. The 2009 presidential inauguration committee joined hands with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. The planning for the inauguration began way back on the 24^th of September 2008. It was the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies that was tasked with coming up with the inaugural theme “A New Birth of Freedom”. The Presidential Inaugural Committee was also tasked with organizing inaugural-related events including parades, ball and prayer services, concerts, and train rides.

7. Obama Hosted a Train Tour in Honor of the 200 Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln

Obama aboard the Georgia 300, Photo by ajac.

In honor of the 200^th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama hosted the whistle-stop train tour as a pre-inauguration event on the 17^th of January 2009. He was accompanied by a host of friends and guests, his wife Michelle, and their two daughters Sasha and Malia. During the tour, he invited forty-one Americans whom he met during the days of his campaigns to attend inaugural events.

See also: Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Michelle Obama

8. His Inauguration Marked the Pinnacle of the Presidential Transition

Obama takes the oath of office. Photo by Architect of the Capitol.

The presidential transition of Barrack Obama was successful following his inauguration. The presidential transition kicked off when he won the Presidential elections on the 4^th of November 2008. On the 15^th of December 2008, Obama was formally elected by the Electoral College. His victory was a symbol of change from his predecessor, George Bush since he was the first African American to be elected as president of the United State. He was also the fifth youngest president to ever be inaugurated.

9. He emphasized the Theme of Civil Responsibility in his Speech

In his speech, Barack Obama emphasized the theme of civil responsibility just as John F. Kennedy did five decades ago. He called out for the Americans to embrace the changes and challenges that came along. He emphasized on a united nation that despite different challenges everyone has a duty to themselves, the nation, and the world at large.  

10. He attended Ten Official Inauguration Balls During the Inauguration Evening

President Obama Home States Ball. Photo by dbking.

On the eve of the inauguration day, Obama in the company of his wife attended ten official inaugural balls. He was dressed in a tuxedo, a white bow tie, and Chicago-based menswear. His wife Michelle was dressed in a white, one-shouldered sleeveless gown made by a New York designer. Some of the inaugural balls attended by Obama include The Neighbourhood Inaugural Ball, The Vice President Biden Home State Ball, The Youth Ball, The western Ball, The Eastern Ball, and The President Obama Home States Ball among others.

Barrack Obama’s first inauguration as president was the most attended event ever in the world having so many attendees from the social media platform and actual attendants. The inauguration was a such and eventful occasion that made part of the history of the United State.