The second term begins
Barack Obama was sworn in for his second term as President of the United States on Jan. 20 in a small private ceremony at the White House with his family standing by.
His public inauguration, filled with traditional pomp, took place the following day, when he made a passionate call in his inaugural address for collective action while acknowledging "hard choices" that were still to come.
A man waves a handful of American flags during the public inauguration ceremony.
People arrive at the National Mall for Obama’s public inauguration.
With the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in the background, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson looks out from the U.S. Capitol in Washington before the inauguration ceremony, which coincided this year with Martin Luther King Day.
A woman sells newspapers showing a picture of the President on the day of his ceremonial swearing in.
“BARACK GOT #2 TERMZ” proclaims this man’s sweatshirt.
A military band conductor rehearses the Stars and Stripes the day before the big inauguration events at the U.S. Capitol took place.
Obama pauses with his escorts before walking through the Lower West Terrace Door of the U.S. Capitol to begin the swearing-in ceremonies.
Crowds gather at the National Mall to witness the event.
President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Biden’s wife Jill look back during the ceremonies.
Obama is sworn in by Supreme Court Justice John Roberts as his family look on.
Spectators watch and take pictures from a window as the president and first lady travel from the Capitol towards the White House during the inaugural parade.
Obama took the oath with his hand on two bibles - one from President Abraham Lincoln and the other from civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Obama puts a hand on his wife’s back as he arrives with her and her mother at the White House after attending a church service on the day of his ceremonial swearing in.
The president and the first lady, the vice president and his wife are all escorted by Major General Michael L. Linnington to review troops during the inauguration ceremonies.
Barack and Michelle Obama wave to crowds as they walk down Constitution Avenue after emerging from the presidential limousine during the inaugural parade.
Obama's limousine stands with its door open at the White House the day he took the official oath of office in a private ceremony. The plate bears the Washington D.C. license plate slogan: “Taxation Without Representation”.
Michelle Obama, wearing a Jason Wu dress, dances with the president at the Commander in Chief's ball.
Supporters take pictures on their phones as they listen to Obama speak at the inaugural reception.
Surrounded by Vice President Biden and congressional leaders, Obama signs a proclamation to commemorate the inauguration.
The document bears Obama’s signature, and the stage for him to begin his second term is set.
