NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

A Celebration of Democracy

On Thursday, Jan. 20, at noon EST, President George W. Bush will take the oath of office and deliver his second inaugural address on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. Vice President Richard B. Cheney will also be sworn in.

Inauguration Day always provides a meaningful occasion for all Americans, whatever their political views, to come together in unity to celebrate our freedom and to honor those who wear our country's uniform. Fittingly, the theme of this 55th Presidential Inauguration is "Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Service."

Following the Oath of Office Ceremony, the traditional parade, featuring military and civilian bands and other fanfare will march along a 1.7 mile-route from Capitol Hill to the White House, beginning at about 2:30 p.m. This event is open to the public.

I'm very pleased to note that as part of Inauguration Week activities, on Wednesday, Jan. 19, in the afternoon, NASA will host visitors to the nation's capital in a tent on the Ellipse across the street from Constitution Hall. The NASA exhibit at the "Celebration of America" event will feature the Vision for Space Exploration, Return-to-Flight, Earth and Space Science and Aeronautics. Astronauts Scott Altman, Franklin Chang-Diaz, Roger Crouch, Anna Fisher, Michael Foale, Paul Richards and Carl Walz will support the exhibit and will be available for autographs and photographs.

Whether you are able to witness the events of this 55th Inauguration first hand or follow them on television, I hope you enjoy this special celebration of American democracy.

Sean O'Keefe
NASA Administrator