The U.S. Marine Corps Band, known as “The President’s Own,” performs during the 57th Inauguration Day swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2013.
If you enjoyed reading about and seeing the photographs of the roles our military played in the 57th U.S. Presidential Inauguration, you might also like the following photographs.
They show various military units such as the U.S. Marine Corps Band, known as “The President’s Own,” performing at the swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol (above) and horse-mounted members of the caisson platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard” taking part in the parade along Pennsylvania Avenue. (below)
Soldiers ride their horses during the 57th Inauguration Day parade along Pennsylvania Avenue from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. The soldiers are assigned to the caisson platoon of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.”
But they also show some of the glamour at the first inaugural ball of the evening, the Commander in Chief’s Ball, where the President extended “extraordinary gratitude” to the men and women in uniform and promised to ensure they have everything they need as they defend Americans’ freedoms every day.
President Barack Obama speaks to service members while their senior enlisted advisors listen during the Commander in Chief’s Ball in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2013.
The following are some of the remarks by the President to the hundreds of service members, including wounded warriors and Medal of Honor recipients, Gold Star families and veterans gathered at the Ball, as reported by By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service:
“Thank you for volunteering. Thank you for stepping up. Thank you for keeping us strong. Thank you for always making us proud,” he told the gathering.
“I have no greater honor than being your commander in chief.”
“It’s because of you that with honor we were able to end the war in Iraq. Because of you that we delivered justice to Osama bin Laden. Because of you that it’s even possible to give Afghans a chance to determine their own destiny. We are going forward, and we’ll keep our military the finest fighting force the world has ever known.”
“We know it’s tough being away from your families. We know the incredible sacrifices and challenges that you make every day. But I can tell you that you’ve got a room full of patriots here.”
Referring to the men and women suitably dressed for the gala affair, the President said, “And although I’ve got to admit that they’re a little spiffied up right now their heart and soul, their dedication, their sense of duty is at one with every single one of the folks who are in Kandahar right now.”
The star-studded lineup of performers at the ball included Dan Moose, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Chris Cornell, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson and Marc Anthony.
But the highlight of the evening probably were the honorary dances where four service members were selected to dance with the President, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden.
It was a night these four service members certainly will never forget.
For their photographs, please scroll down.
Members of the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard perform pass in review for President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, during the 57th Inauguration Day parade in Washington, D.C.
The Army’s 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” marches as part of the president’s escort in the inauguration parade for the 57th Inaugural Day events in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2013.
The Fife and Drum Corps of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the “The Old Guard,” marches on Pennsylvania Avenue during the 57th Inauguration Day events in Washington, D.C.
Members of the U.S. Air Force Band march in the 57th Inauguration Day parade in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2013.
President Barack Obama dances with Air Force Staff Sgt. Bria Nelson, and First Lady Michelle Obama dances with Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Easterling during the Commander In Chief’s Ball in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2013.
First Lady Michelle Obama dances with Marine Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Easterling at the Commander in Chief’s Ball in Washington, D.C., January 21, 2013.
Vice President Joe Biden dances with Army Staff Sgt Keesha Dentino and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, dances with Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Figuero at the Commander in Chief’s Ball in Washington, D.C., Jan. 21, 2013.
Photos and captions: Department of Defense
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.