The sun rises over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. the morning of inauguration and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as the massive crowd slowly trickles onto Capitol Hill and the National Mall. Despite the chilly weather, thousands of excited citizens begin gathering a couple of hours before sunrise to vie for prime spots from which to watch the ceremonies.
At around 9:30 AM, dignitaries including members of the 113th Congress, past presidents, governors, and the Supreme Court justices start to arrive as the fifth-grade chorus from Public School 22 in Staten Island begins their performance.
Finally, to great applause and cheer, President Barack Obama takes his seat at around 11:20 AM, giving the signal for the commencement of the inaugural proceedings. Vice President Joe Biden and President Obama take their respective oaths of office minutes later.