Washington, DC – Barack Obama was officially sworn in before noon on Sunday, January 20 for his second term as US president, in a short ceremony that lasted about one minute in the White House’s Blue Room.
The swearing in ceremony satisfied the US Constitutional requirement that the oath of office be taken by noon on January 20, which fell on a Sunday, so the public inauguration with pomp and show will take place on Monday.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to Obama, witnessed by First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia, as well as family members and journalists.
Resting his hand on a bible used for many years by his wife’s family, Obama vowed “to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
The First Lady wore a dark blue dress by Reed Krakoff, a White Official said, while Malia was wearing a blue dress and Sasha was wearing a purplish-fuschia dress. After taking the oath, the president hugged his wife and his daughters while his family clapped.
According to a White House official, the following family members attended: Marian Robinson, Craig Robinson, Leslie Robinson, Avery Robinson, Auma Obama, Akinyi Manners, Maya Soetoro-Ng, Konrad Ng, Savita Ng, Suhaila Ng, Kaye Wilson and Wellington Wilson. Chief Justice John Robert’s wife Michelle stood just to the family’s left.
Earlier on Sunday morning, Vice President Joe Biden was sworn in for a second term at a small ceremony at his official residence.
In Washington, DC on a beautiful sunny Sunday, thousands of workers and volunteers are working to complete finishing touches for Monday’s celebrations, with white tents and other structures being set up along the Washington Mall’s parade route, as nearby buildings were adorned with red, white and blue bunting.