44 Memorable Photos From Obama’s Second Inauguration

Our 44th president got sworn in again.

1. Finishing touches are put in place before the sun rises.

Image by Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT

2. The sun slowly rises over the Capitol.

Image by Alex Brandon / AP

3. People file into the Washington Mall.

Image by Jason Reed / Reuters

4. The Capitol is ready.

Image by Jason Reed / Reuters

5. People (and their flags) waited overnight to get a spot.

Image by Eric Thayer / Reuters

6. An estimated 1 million people would watch Obama’s second inauguration in person.

Image by Eric Thayer / Reuters

7. The podium is marked.

Image by Win McNamee, Pool / AP

8. The crowds gather.

Image by Jim Bourg / Reuters

9. San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro is the first to his seat.

He gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.

Image by Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT

10. The president makes his way to Capitol Hill.

Image by Brian Snyder / Reuters

11. The president arrives at the Capitol.

Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

12. Obama signs the inauguration proclamation.

Image by Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

13. Signed, sealed, and delivered.

Image by Pool photo by Jonathan Ernst/Reuters/MCT

14. The justices gather.

Image by Pat Benic/UPI/MCT

15. America’s First Daughters arrive.

Sasha and Malia were the true stars of the inauguration.

Image by Pool photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images/MCT

16. Jay-Z and Beyonce follow.

Image by Win McNamee/Getty Images/MCT

17. Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi are next.

Image by Pool photo by Win McNamee Getty Images/MCT

18. Obama!

Image by Pool photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images/MCT

19. Hillary and Bill greet Barack.

Image by Pool / Reuters

20. Myrlie Evers-Williams, the wife of a fallen civil rights leader, delivers the invocation.

Her husband, Medgar, was murdered in 1963.

Image by Mark Gail/MCT

21. Obama takes in the moment.

Image by Pool / Reuters

22. Obama and Biden shake hands.

Image by Pool photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images/MCT

23. Vice President Joe Biden is sworn in again.

Image by JMP-Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT

24. As is President Obama.

Image by Carolyn Kaster / AP

25. The crowd waves flags from the National Mall.

Image by Gabriel B. Tait/MCT

26. The president delivers his inaugural address.

Source: images.newscred.com

27. “Today we continue a never-ending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time.”

Image by Win McNamee, Pool / AP

28. Obama calls for action on climate change, gay rights, and gun violence.

Read his full speech here.

Image by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

29. Before a crowd of 1 million people.

Image by Eric Thayer / Reuters

30. Kelly Clarkson sings “My Country Tis of Thee.”

Image by Pool photo by Pat Benic/UPI/MCT

31. The Obamas look on.

Image by Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT

32. Beyonce sings the national anthem.

It was fabulous.

Image by Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT

33. The dignitaries begin to file out.

Image by Pool / Reuters

34. The president stops to take one last look at the assembled crowds.

“I’m not going to see this again,” he said.

Image by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

35. And continues on his way.

Image by Mike Theiler / Reuters

36. The Obamas and the Bidens.

Image by Pool / Reuters

37. The president and First Lady leave for the Inaugural Parade.

Image by Chris Kleponis / Reuters

38. They wave to spectators along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Image by Pool / Reuters

39. And look flawless.

Image by Larry Downing / Reuters

40. Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden join them on the parade route.

Image by Chuck Myers/MCT

41. Were you the person Biden gave a thumbs-up to?

Image by Chuck Myers/MCT

42. The First Couple show affection in the stands as they watch the parade.

Image by Joe Skipper / Reuters

43. Michelle almost broke Twitter when she walked out in Jason Wu at the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball

Seriously.

Image by Rick Wilking / Reuters

44. The First Couple dance to “Let’s Stay Together.”

Perfect choice.

Image by Jason Reed / Reuters