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Historic moment as Obama sworn in Historic moment as Obama sworn in
(10 minutes later)
Barack Obama has taken the oath of office and been sworn in as America's 44th president - and the country's first African-American leader.Barack Obama has taken the oath of office and been sworn in as America's 44th president - and the country's first African-American leader.
More than one million people gathered in the National Mall in a wintry Washington DC, to see Mr Obama take the oath shortly after 1200 (1700 GMT).More than one million people gathered in the National Mall in a wintry Washington DC, to see Mr Obama take the oath shortly after 1200 (1700 GMT).
Mr Obama placed his hand on a Bible and promised to "preserve, protect and defend" the US constitution.
He used his inaugural address to vow to begin the work of "remaking America".He used his inaugural address to vow to begin the work of "remaking America".
He was candid about the challenges facing the US, and said America was entering a "new era of responsibility".
See map showing key sites of Inauguration Day
He made reference to the scale of his achievement at being the first black American elected to the White House, in a remark that gathered one of the biggest cheers of the speech. Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more Barack ObamaPresident of the United States Full text: Obama speechHe made reference to the scale of his achievement at being the first black American elected to the White House, in a remark that gathered one of the biggest cheers of the speech. Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more Barack ObamaPresident of the United States Full text: Obama speech
"This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed... why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.""This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed... why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."
"The challenges we face are real," the new president said. "They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But the new president faces serious challenges. America is gripped by uncertainty as the economy faces its worst crisis in decades.
"The challenges we face are real," Mr Obama said. "They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time.
"But know this America - they will be met.""But know this America - they will be met."
Invoking the memory of the US's Founding Fathers, Mr Obama said he would strive to rebuild his nation's standing in the world, saying: "We are ready to lead once more."Invoking the memory of the US's Founding Fathers, Mr Obama said he would strive to rebuild his nation's standing in the world, saying: "We are ready to lead once more."
Mr Obama must also handle wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and seek to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Crowds at the inauguration of Barack Obama describe their experiencesIn pictures
He spoke candidly of the economic crisis and foreign policy challenges facing the US, saying the US would "responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan".He spoke candidly of the economic crisis and foreign policy challenges facing the US, saying the US would "responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan".
The new president also address the world's poor and the Muslim world, much of which angrily opposed the actions of the previous administration. The new president also addressed the world's poor and the Muslim world, much of which angrily opposed the actions of the previous administration.
From now on, Mr Obama said, the US would seek "a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect".From now on, Mr Obama said, the US would seek "a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect".
And, closing his speech to wild cheers yet wearing a serious expression, Mr Obama told his country that while America faces new and different challenges, its people must now enter "a new era of responsibility".And, closing his speech to wild cheers yet wearing a serious expression, Mr Obama told his country that while America faces new and different challenges, its people must now enter "a new era of responsibility".
Challenges
Unprecedented security has been in place, with 40,000 on duty or stand-by.
Across the US there is a sense of history being made, correspondents say.
Anticipation has been building across the US ahead of the ceremony, held on the steps of the US Capitol, where Congress sits. See map showing key sites of Inauguration Day
But the new president faces serious challenges. America is gripped by uncertainty as the economy faces its worst crisis in decades.
Mr Obama must also handle wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and seek to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Solemn vowsSolemn vows
Ceremonies began on the West Front Lawn of the US Capitol, where Congress sits, with an opening prayer asking for the protection and safety of the new president and vice-president. On a day of unprecedented security in Washington, the inauguration ceremony began on the West Front Lawn of the US Capitol, where Congress sits, with an opening prayer asking for the protection and safety of the new president and vice-president. US BLACK HISTORY MILESTONES 1861 - Civil war starts1865 - Civil war ends, leading to abolition of slavery1870 - Hiram Revels is first African-American senator. African-American men gain the vote, but face resistance and intimidation1954 - Civil disobedience campaign starts1963 - Martin Luther King: "I have a dream" speech1964 - Civil Rights Act1965 - Right to vote guaranteed class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/justinwebb/">Webb: Iconography of Obama class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/">A New Media inauguration?
Mr Obama stood solemnly during the invocation by conservative Rick Warren, his eyes closed in the final moments before he took office.Mr Obama stood solemnly during the invocation by conservative Rick Warren, his eyes closed in the final moments before he took office.
Aretha Franklin then sang the US national anthem against a backdrop of clear blue skies and a light wind. Thousands waved flags as the soul legend sang her version of the Star Spangled Banner to a rapturous reception.Aretha Franklin then sang the US national anthem against a backdrop of clear blue skies and a light wind. Thousands waved flags as the soul legend sang her version of the Star Spangled Banner to a rapturous reception.
Joseph Biden, a veteran senator, was then sworn in as vice-president by the longest-serving member of the US Supreme Court.Joseph Biden, a veteran senator, was then sworn in as vice-president by the longest-serving member of the US Supreme Court.
The focus then shifted to America's first black president.The focus then shifted to America's first black president.
Barack Obama placed his hand on a Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration in 1861 and repeated the oath of office, promising to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States".Barack Obama placed his hand on a Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration in 1861 and repeated the oath of office, promising to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States".
He then began delivering his inaugural address - a 20-minute speech focussing on themes of responsibility, accountability, and the renewal of America and its role and relations with the world.He then began delivering his inaugural address - a 20-minute speech focussing on themes of responsibility, accountability, and the renewal of America and its role and relations with the world.
Vast crowdsVast crowds
Hundreds of thousands of visitors had arrived in Washington in the days before the inauguration, and vast numbers braved early-morning cold to secure a vantage point for the midday ceremony. Dr King said it might take 40 years. It's been 45 years, I can wait another hour Ronald BrisbonWashington resident Guide to US inauguration dayIn pictures: Obama inauguration UK events mark inaugurationHundreds of thousands of visitors had arrived in Washington in the days before the inauguration, and vast numbers braved early-morning cold to secure a vantage point for the midday ceremony. Dr King said it might take 40 years. It's been 45 years, I can wait another hour Ronald BrisbonWashington resident Guide to US inauguration dayIn pictures: Obama inauguration UK events mark inauguration
Competition for tickets along the parade route was fierce, as was the scrum for standing room in the National Mall.Competition for tickets along the parade route was fierce, as was the scrum for standing room in the National Mall.
Officials in Washington reported record numbers of passengers on the city's subway network early on Tuesday, and police were forced to close a key entry point hours before event began because of overcrowding.Officials in Washington reported record numbers of passengers on the city's subway network early on Tuesday, and police were forced to close a key entry point hours before event began because of overcrowding.
Before the ceremony began, Michelle and Barack Obama attended a private church service at St John's Episcopal Church alongside Vice-President-elect Joe Biden and his family.Before the ceremony began, Michelle and Barack Obama attended a private church service at St John's Episcopal Church alongside Vice-President-elect Joe Biden and his family.
They then headed to the White House for coffee with outgoing President George W Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney.They then headed to the White House for coffee with outgoing President George W Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney.
The group - including Mr Cheney in a wheelchair after pulling a back muscle - then left for the US Capitol, lavishly prepared for the inaugural ceremony. US BLACK HISTORY MILESTONES 1861 - Civil war starts1865 - Civil war ends, leading to abolition of slavery1870 - Hiram Revels is first African-American senator. African-American men gain the vote, but face resistance and intimidation1954 - Civil disobedience campaign starts1963 - Martin Luther King: "I have a dream" speech1964 - Civil Rights Act1965 - Right to vote guaranteed class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/justinwebb/">Webb: Iconography of Obama class="" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/">A New Media inauguration? The group - including Mr Cheney in a wheelchair after pulling a back muscle - then left for the US Capitol, lavishly prepared for the inaugural ceremony.
Crowds in the National Mall will watch proceedings on huge video screens. At least two million people are expected, a record number for an inauguration event.Crowds in the National Mall will watch proceedings on huge video screens. At least two million people are expected, a record number for an inauguration event.
They will be braving unusually cold weather, with temperatures of -1C expected. Wind chill would make it feel several degrees colder, forecasters said, urging people to guard against possible hypothermia and frostbite.They will be braving unusually cold weather, with temperatures of -1C expected. Wind chill would make it feel several degrees colder, forecasters said, urging people to guard against possible hypothermia and frostbite.
Early on Tuesday, tens of thousands defied the pre-dawn cold to secure a good spot in the Mall when it opened at 0400 (0900 GMT) to those without tickets.Early on Tuesday, tens of thousands defied the pre-dawn cold to secure a good spot in the Mall when it opened at 0400 (0900 GMT) to those without tickets.
There was a huge sense of excitement, a BBC reporter at the scene said, with people breaking out in cheers. The subway was as busy at 0500 as it would normally be at rush hour, but most seemed happy to battle through the crowds.There was a huge sense of excitement, a BBC reporter at the scene said, with people breaking out in cheers. The subway was as busy at 0500 as it would normally be at rush hour, but most seemed happy to battle through the crowds.
"I've been queuing for hours, I don't care how long I have to wait," Washington resident Ronald Brisbon, 55, told the BBC."I've been queuing for hours, I don't care how long I have to wait," Washington resident Ronald Brisbon, 55, told the BBC.
"Dr [Martin Luther] King said it might take 40 years. It's been 45 years, I can wait another hour.""Dr [Martin Luther] King said it might take 40 years. It's been 45 years, I can wait another hour."
'Hardships''Hardships'
OBAMA'S ECONOMIC CHALLENGE Unemployment rate up to 7.2% - 16-year highRetail sales fell for six months in a row in December - down 2.7%Car sales down to 22.4% below level seen a year agoNew home sales in November at lowest level in 17 years Mid-price of a new home sold in November: $220,400 (£149,900) - down 11.5% from a year agoTrade deficit dropped to $40.4bn (£28.82bn) in November - five-year low Security chiefs say they are prepared for all eventualities. Roads and bridges into Washington will be closed and thousands of police, soldiers and plainclothes agents are on the streets.OBAMA'S ECONOMIC CHALLENGE Unemployment rate up to 7.2% - 16-year highRetail sales fell for six months in a row in December - down 2.7%Car sales down to 22.4% below level seen a year agoNew home sales in November at lowest level in 17 years Mid-price of a new home sold in November: $220,400 (£149,900) - down 11.5% from a year agoTrade deficit dropped to $40.4bn (£28.82bn) in November - five-year low Security chiefs say they are prepared for all eventualities. Roads and bridges into Washington will be closed and thousands of police, soldiers and plainclothes agents are on the streets.
Snipers will be in position along the parade route, while helicopters and fighter jets will patrol the skies. In Washington, homeland security officials said they were monitoring a "potential threat" of "uncertain credibility" on inauguration day.Snipers will be in position along the parade route, while helicopters and fighter jets will patrol the skies. In Washington, homeland security officials said they were monitoring a "potential threat" of "uncertain credibility" on inauguration day.
The feeling among the crowds in Washington, correspondents say, is that the changing of the presidential guard will be far more than the sum of its ceremonial parts.The feeling among the crowds in Washington, correspondents say, is that the changing of the presidential guard will be far more than the sum of its ceremonial parts.
Follow the inauguration on the BBC News website, with live text updates from 1400 GMT (0900 ET), streaming video from 1600 GMT, full coverage from our correspondents in Washington and reaction from across the world.
There will be live coverage of the ceremony on BBC One and BBC News channel, simulcast on BBC World News and BBC America, from 1600-1800 GMT. BBC World Service will also be broadcasting the event live.
INAUGURATION DAY 1. 1700GMT/1200EST Obama is inaugurated as US president on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol building2. Obama escorts former President George W Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney on the presidential procession prior to their departure3. 1920GMT/1420EST Parade starts along Pennsylvania Avenue4. Obama will review troops from behind a bullet-proof screen in Lafayette Park, behind the White House 5. President Obama and the First Lady will attend a series of celebration balls, returning to the White House at 0725GMT/0225EST Wednesday More inauguration mapsINAUGURATION DAY 1. 1700GMT/1200EST Obama is inaugurated as US president on the West Front Lawn of the Capitol building2. Obama escorts former President George W Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney on the presidential procession prior to their departure3. 1920GMT/1420EST Parade starts along Pennsylvania Avenue4. Obama will review troops from behind a bullet-proof screen in Lafayette Park, behind the White House 5. President Obama and the First Lady will attend a series of celebration balls, returning to the White House at 0725GMT/0225EST Wednesday More inauguration maps
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