Monday, January 21, 2013
Read the full text of President Barack Obama's speech made on the occasion of his second inauguration.
Remarks of President Barack Obama – as Prepared for Delivery Inaugural Address Monday, January 21, 2013 Washington, DC Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, …
Sunday, January 20, 2013
If you're heading downtown any time this weekend, you'll need to know how to get in, get around and navigate the crowds. Free advice here!
While the crowds may not be as intense as in 2009, when an estimated 1.8 million people came to DC for President Barack Obama’s inauguration, there’s still a lot of info you need to know to survive the day. From Metro closures and changes to where to eat and how to stay warm, Patch has you covered. From Metro closures and changes to where to eat and how to stay warm, Patch has you covered. Do you live or work here in the Kingstowne area? Keep up with local news by signing up for our free daily email newsletter here! Transportation Metro – If you're driving to a metro station to take it into town, know that some metro stations will be closed, and some bus routes will be detoured. See our guide to taking Metro this weekend. Driving – Driving…
It's a long event on a cold Washington day. But here are four ways to keep the kids busy.
Every presidential inauguration is a nugget of history, a marker in the political story of America. As parents, we want to share these events with our children. But hours outside in the cold might be hard on your kids. The National Weather Service is currently predicting a chance of snow showers. Temperatures could reach 37 degrees, but will likely be in the low 30s as viewers arrive for the event. Layers, hoods and gloves will be a necessity. Here are four ways to entertain the little ones on the big day. Ranger Badges: The National Park Service will award special Junior Park Ranger badges over the inauguration weekend. Parents can download the special activity book online or children can receive one from a park ranger at one of six …
Jenny and Joel Kobersteen called 'selfless citizens' who sacrifice on behalf of others every day.
Jenny and Joel Kobersteen are dedicated Muscular Dystrophy Association volunteers whose generous service has earned them a tribute at the fifth All American Inaugural Ball Jan. 20. The Kobersteens were nominated by the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) Greater Washington, D.C. MDA for their “unwavering support for MDA.” Together with Fairfax County firefighters, police officers and local businesses, they help raise more than $500,000 for MDA’s Fill the Boot program every year. They also are dedicated volunteers for MDA’s annual summer camp. Jenny is a registered nurse who works as a Patient Care Supervisor at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg. Joel is a master technician for Fairfax County Fire & Rescue. They live in …
The director of "The President's Own" feels a connection to history when conducting.
Col. Michael J. Colburn has participated in seven presidential inaugurations with "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, starting in 1989 for George H. W. Bush. Monday will be his third inauguration as director of the prestigious group. Of all the duties and responsibilities of the Marine Band, none of them is more special than the presidential inauguration, Colburn said. "It’s a combination of emotions," he said. "It’s thrilling and a little scary and very meaningful to anyone who is interested in American History." The Marine Band was established by an Act of Congress in 1798. It's purpose is unique — to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Monday's inauguration of …
Saturday, January 19, 2013
As Obama takes the oath on Jan. 21, temperatures could be in the low 30s with some winter weather possible Monday.
The weather forecast for President Barack Obama's second inauguration calls for temperatures in the 30s, and those cold temperatures may be paired with some snow flakes. But temperatures will begin to fall below freezing overnight Sunday and early into Monday and will just begin reaching the upper 30s as the event begins. The National Weather Service says temperatures may reach up to 38 degrees in Washington on Monday. Winds will be up to 10 mph. The view should be unobstructed for the main event at noon under partly sunny skies, but the NWS suggests scattered snow showers may begin after 1 p.m. There's a 30 percent chance of precipitation. Check out Kingstowne Patch's 2013 Presidential Inauguration Guide. Also, take a look at our 2013 …
Fewer riders expected this year than for the 2009 presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, but there will be station closures and other transportation adjustments.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) has released a video to help riders prepare for the 2013 presidential inauguration of Barack Obama on Monday. To view the video, click the media player above this article. Though Metro and security officials are expecting a much smaller crowd than last year, trains and buses will still be quite crowded and some Metro stations and bus stops will be closed. For more on how Metro is preparing for increased ridership, see: Taking Metro to the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Walking Routes Downtown on Inauguration Day For much more on transportation, events, weather and all things related to the inauguration, see Patch’s special 2013 presidential inauguration section here. Keep up…
A look at what you need to know about Metro for Inauguration Weekend.
Metro is not performing any scheduled track work anywhere on the system Inauguration Weekend, but there are service advisories in effect. Read up on Patch's other Metro-related Inauguration Weekend information: According to a Metro news release, the following is a summary of Metro service plans for Inauguration Weekend 2013: On Saturday: On Sunday: On Inauguration Day, Monday: For complete 2013 presidential inauguration coverage, see Kingstowne Patch's special 2013 presidential inauguration section here.
Take a look at some of the top local Patch headlines from last week.
Two-Alarm Fire Destroys Fairfax Townhouse A two-alarm fire that destroyed a townhouse Thursday off of Roberts Road in Fairfax has sent one Fairfax County firefighter to the hospital with minor burns. At around 1:30 p.m., Fairfax County Fire and Rescue were called to the 5400 block of Cheshire Meadows Way in Fairfax, and found the front and back of a townhouse engulfed in flames. Firefighters had the fire under control within 10 minutes. Teachers Say Fairfax Schools Should Reassess Safety Procedures A group of Fairfax County educators say while some of the county's school safety procedures are effective, the system needs to reassess its security policies. In a survey last week on guns and school safety by the Fairfax County Federation of …
Friday, January 18, 2013
Due to unprecedented security levels, a wide range of items are prohibited at the inauguration, balls and some related events.
One Patch local editor attended the 2009 presidential inauguration downtown, and brought a lawn chair with her. She had to leave it outside the security gates. Don't let something like that happen to you! There will be a strong police presence—even police from Alexandria, Fairfax County and other jurisdictions will be in D.C. this weekend. Here's the official list of what is prohibited from the inauguration ceremony, inauguration parade and elsewhere. This information comes from inauguration.dc.gov: The US Secret Service, Metropolitan Police Department, US Capitol Police, and other local and federal agencies are providing an unprecedented level of security for the Inauguration. As a security precaution, the following items will be …
