Obama stresses openness and service for inaugural

President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural committee this morning announced more details of the event surrounding and leading up to his swearing in as the 44th president.

The schedule and details are below.

The committee also released a texting tool to get updates, and an address from Obama, himself, that emphasizes the openness and accessibility he hopes is his inauguration's hallmark.

"On Tuesday, with a simple oath that's marked the renewal of our nation's democracy for more than two centuries; I will take office as the forty-fourth President of the United States.
But this Inauguration isn't about me. It's about all of us. At this defining moment in our history, it serves as our opportunity to come together in common purpose, united in our resolve to renew the promise of this nation and meet the challenges of our time.

"Now, you've probably heard the reports that unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington. That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day.

"Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration - because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation.

"Just text the word "open" to 56333 for news, transportation updates, and ways you can participate.

"We're kicking off inaugural week events on Sunday afternoon with a free celebration at the Lincoln Memorial that's open to the public. And to allow Americans across the country to join us, HBO will broadcast the event for free that evening.

"Monday night, Michelle and Jill Biden are hosting a free Kids' Inaugural concert to honor the children of military families, which the Disney Channel will broadcast live on television and their radio network.

"On the evening of the Inauguration, Michelle and I will attend the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, and we want you to be right there with us - wherever your neighborhood is.
ABC will broadcast it on television, we'll webcast it on the Internet and post updates from the ballroom, and if you visit pic2009.org, you can even sign up to host your own neighborhood ball at home.

"But that's just the beginning when it comes to ways you can get involved. I'm also asking for your active participation.

"Next Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. And to honor the legacy of a man who lived his life as a servant to others, I will ask all Americans to make a renewed commitment to serving their communities and their country.

"Dr. King once said, 'Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.' You don't have to wear a uniform. You don't have to be a community organizer. You don't even have to run for President. At a time when there is so much need, we are blessed with endless ways to contribute something to the life of this nation.

"On Monday, my family and the Biden family will spend time volunteering in neighborhoods around Washington. I am asking you to join us in that same spirit of service to others - no matter where you live.

"And we've unveiled a new tool to make it easy. Just visit USAservice.org to find service projects in your community, or even organize your own around the causes you care about.
Log on and you'll see that thousands of events involving millions of Americans have already been set up across the country next Monday and beyond.

"Because I'm not just asking you to take part in one day of service. I am asking you to make a lasting commitment to make better the lives of your fellow Americans - a commitment that must endure beyond one day, or even one presidency.

"At this moment of great challenge and great change, I am asking you to play your part; to roll up your sleeves and join in the work of remaking this nation. And if you do, then I truly believe a new and better day is within our reach.

"Thank you."

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial, between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW on 23rd Street
Doors open: 8:00 AM EST
Event begins: 2:30 PM EST
This event is free and open to the public.
Public gates open at 8:00 AM at the following locations:
- Public Entry A: Constitution Avenue at 19th Street
- Public Entry B: Constitution Avenue at Virginia Avenue
- Public Entry C: 17th Street at North Elm Walk
- Public Entry D: 17th Street at South Elm Walk
- Public Entry E: Independence Avenue at the DC War Memorial
The Reflecting Pool area, JFK Hockey Fields and Constitution Gardens are open to the public and space will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restricted items for the Lincoln Memorial grounds for the Inaugural Opening Ceremonies:
- Firearms
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Weapons of any kind
- Aerosols
- Supports for signs
- Packages
- Coolers
- Thermal or glass containers
- Backpacks
- Bags and signs exceeding the size restrictions of 6"X4"X8"
- Laser pointers
- Animals other than helper/guide dogs
- Structures
- Bicycles
- Any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard

MONDAY, JANUARY 19
Renew America Together: A Call to Service
On Monday, the President-elect, Vice President-elect, and their families - just like Americans in communities across the country - will participate in activities dedicated to serving others.
To find out more about "Renew America Together" or find a service event near you, please visit USAservice.org.

Community Service Day Lunch
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.
Please visit www.pic2009.org for updates.

Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future
The Verizon Center
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST
Event begins: 7:00 PM EST
Please visit www.pic2009.org for updates.

Bipartisan Dinners
Each of the three bipartisan dinners will honor an American whose lifetime of public service has been enhanced by a dedication to bipartisan achievement.
National Building Museum
Honoree: General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.)
Event begins: 5:00 PM EST
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.

Hilton Washington
Honoree: Senator John McCain
Event begins: 5:00 PM EST
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.

Union Station
Honoree: Vice President-elect Joe Biden
Event begins: 6:30 PM EST
This event is invitation only, and will be pooled press.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
The Swearing-In Ceremony
United States Capitol, West Front
Event begins: 11:30 AM EST
No tickets are required to view the Inaugural Ceremony on the National Mall west of 4th Street.
We anticipate large crowds. As such, we strongly encourage you to visit the official Presidential Inaugural Committee at www.pic2009.org for updates, directions and additional information regarding transportation and pedestrian routes. Text the word "open" to 56333 to receive official Inauguration news updates, transportation notices, and ways you can participate, whether they're in Washington or in your own community.

Inaugural Luncheon
United States Capitol
Following the swearing-in ceremony, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, and members of their families will attend an inaugural luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
This event is not open to the public. Please contact the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies at 202-244-2228 for more information.

Inaugural Parade
Pennsylvania Avenue
Event begins: While there is no official start time for the parade, it traditionally begins around 2:30 PM EST
The majority of the parade route will be free and open to the public for standing room access. Viewing spots along the parade route are available on a first come, first serve basis. A limited number of bleacher seats were available for sale but have sold out.

Official Inaugural Balls
A ticket is required for admission to each ball.
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall D
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST
Event begins: 7:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 10:30 PM EST

President Obama Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall E
Doors open: 5:00 PM EST
Event begins: 7:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 11:30 PM EST

Commander-in-Chief's Ball
National Building Museum
Doors open: 5:30 PM EST
Event begins: 7:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 12:00 midnight

Vice President Biden Home States Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Ballroom
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST
Event begins: 8:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 11:30 PM EST

Mid-Atlantic Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall A
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST
Event begins: 8:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 12:30 AM EST

Midwestern Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall C
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST
Event begins: 8:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 1:30 AM EST

Western Ball
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Hall B
Doors open: 6:00 PM EST
Event begins: 8:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 1:00 AM EST

Youth Ball
Hilton Washington
Doors open: 7:00 PM EST
Event begins: 9:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 2:30 AM EST

Eastern Ball
Union Station
Doors open: 8:00 PM EST
Event begins: 10:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 2:30 AM EST

Southern Ball
DC Armory
Doors open: 8:00 PM EST
Event begins: 10:00 PM EST
Event concludes: approximately 2:00 AM EST

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
National Prayer Service
Washington National Cathedral
The morning after the inauguration, a National Prayer Service with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, and members of their families will be held at the National Cathedral. The service will bring together dignitaries and Americans of diverse faiths to celebrate the previous day's events through prayer, readings, and musical performances.
Doors Open: 7:30 AM EST
All ticketed guests should arrive before 8:30 AM EST.
This event is not open to the public. The service is by invitation only and tickets are required.