Obama officially sworn in for second term as US President
Washington: US President Barack Obama was officially sworn in for a second four-year term by the Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts at a small White House ceremony.
Surrounded by family, friends and staff, in the Blue Room of the White House, Obama placed his hand on the historic Robinson family bible, selected specifically for the occasion, and recited the 35-word presidential oath written in the Constitution.
“I Barack Hussein Obama do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States,” he said.
As per the 20th amendment to the US Constitution, which changed the beginning of a presidential term from March 4 to January 20, the term of the newly-elected president begins at noon on January 20. However, historically, inaugural ceremonies are not held on a Sunday because courts and other public institutions are not open.
“The President and Vice President were joined by Major General Linnington to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns,” a White House official said.
From the Arlington National Cemetery, Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama drove to the Methodist Episcopal Church — one of the most historic churches in Washington and the nation — to worship and celebrate Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
The church hosted two pre-inaugural prayer services for former President Bill Clinton and Vice President Albert Gore and their families.
The hymn of praise before the Morning Prayer was “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”.
