The President with First Lady Michelle Obama at the U.S. Capitol in 2009. (Brooks Kraft / Corbis)

The President’s Big Day

Barack Obama is about to begin his second term as President of the United States

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On Monday, January 21, people across the nation will watch President Barack Obama’s inauguration . On that day, Obama will be sworn in for a second term. The ceremony will take place on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

THE PRESIDENT’S PROMISE

Once again, President Obama will raise his right hand and take the oath of office. He will swear to preserve, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution. Every U.S. President, including George Washington, has taken the same oath.

Obama will then give a speech to the nation, called the inaugural address. During the address, he will state his plans for the next four years. One topic he is sure to talk about is his goal to help more Americans find jobs.

PARTY TIME

Once the ceremony ends, the celebrations will begin. Obama and his family will watch the inaugural parade, which will include dozens of high school bands and thousands of military troops. That night, the President will dance with First Lady Michelle Obama at a number of inaugural balls, or special parties.

After the parties, Obama will head to the White House and get back to work as the 44th President of the United States.

This article appeared in the January 14, 2013 issue of Scholastic News Edition 3. For more from Scholastic News, click here.

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WORDS TO KNOW ceremony an official event oath an official promise address: a speech A DAY TO REMEMBER President Obama’s inauguration ceremony falls on a special day. January 21 is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The national holiday honors Dr. King, a famous leader who worked to change laws that were unfair to African-Americans. King led peaceful protests and made many speeches. His most important speech is known as the “I Have a Dream” speech. In 1968, King was killed. But his dream of equality for all lives on, as do the effects of his work. President Obama is the nation’s first African-American President.