Just as the million-strong crowd dissolved on
the National Mall after President Barack Obama's inaugural oath Tuesday, tens
of thousands of others remained along Pennsylvania Avenue in hopes of catching
a glimpse of the newly-minted leader in the parade, dpa reported.
Obama and First Lady Michelle, who wore a yellow sheath and matching coat that
hung open despite subfreezing weather, boarded the new presidential limousine
to lead the parade that carries them over the 2.5-kilometre-distance to their
new home at the White House.
One of the first daughters - Malia, 10, or Sasha, 7, it wasn't clear which one
- waved through the dark bullet-proof glass at the cheering, flag-waving
100,000-strong crowd, TV footage showed.
The Obamas were to dismount at the White House to a special parade stand to
watch the show go by on the chilly, sunny day.
The parade performers include 10,000 people from music groups, school and
university bands, cultural groups and special military units.
A prototype of NASA's new lunar rover, driven by astronauts in their space
suits, was also to roll down Pennsylvania Avenue in the parade.
The Obamas will be joined by Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill,
behind the bullet-proof, heated enclosure at the White House to watch the
parade.
Later in the evening, the Obamas and Bidens are expected to attend the 10
official balls, which include a special one for the military and another new
ball, called the Neighbourhood Ball, for the local region.