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Top Ways To Experience The Presidential Inauguration In Philadelphia

Jan. 21 has dual significance for many Americans this year. As the nation pauses to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, President Barack Obama will take the oath of office for his second term at the 57th Presidential Inauguration ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Philadelphia residents don't have to make the trip to the nation's capital to take part in the festivities. A number of organizations and businesses are hosting inauguration events Jan. 17 to 21, so check them out and enjoy!
57th Presidential Inauguration

Visitors Resource Center
901 7th St. NW 400
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 789-7000
www.washington.org

In 1789, George Washington was sworn in as the first president in a ceremony held in New York City. After the founding of Washington, D.C. as the nation's official capital in 1801, presidential inaugurations were moved. In the days leading up to the inauguration, there are a large number of events being hosted by government and private entities. The traditional inauguration morning worship services, which began with Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, is the first of the events the president and his family will attend. A motorcade procession to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony is the next step in the celebration. Immediately after President Barack Obama takes the oath of office, he will deliver his second inaugural address. An official luncheon follows the ceremonies and a parade caps the day's events.

AFL-CIO
22 S. 22nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-9800
www.pa.aflcio.org

The Philadelphia Chapter of the AFL-CIO is hosting an observance of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., marking the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, Jan. 17 to 21. A series of workshops featuring various speakers will commemorate the four-day event. Participants will also dedicate one day to community service projects. On Monday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Philadelphia Downtown Sheraton Hotel, the AFL-CIO is hosting an Inauguration Watch Party. The event features a brunch buffet, music, a cash bar and a number of large TV screens for watching the Washington events take place. All the events require advanced registration fees.

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National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6600
www.constitutioncenter.org

The National Constitution Center is hosting a free presidential inauguration party Jan. 21. Throughout the day, the center will offer programs about presidential inaugurations throughout the country's history. Visitors may watch the 2013 Presidential Inauguration as it happens. Daily, the museum offers multimedia exhibits and hands-on activities to enhance visitor's understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Throughout the year, it offers special programs on various aspects of the country's history.

Lighthouse Christian Outreach Center
715 Bellevue Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08618
(609) 989-9992
www.facebook.com

From 11 a.m., to 6 p.m. on Jan. 21, the Lighthouse Christian Outreach Center will host a combined Presidential Inauguration Watch and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration at its center. Admission is free. The activities in Washington, D.C., will be shown on a large-screen, live-streaming video feed. The event features a keynote speaker, panel discussions, vendors and refreshments. RSVPs are required, as the event is limited to 250 people.

Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit
Lead America
1760 Old Meadow Road
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 506-3275
www.presidentialinauguration.org

For high school students, the 2013 Presidential Inauguration's Leadership Summit offers a variety of educational experiences in Washington, D.C. Retired Gen. Colin L. Powell is the keynote speaker for the event. The summit includes tickets for the swearing-in ceremony and visits to historical and national landmarks in the nation's capital. Students will participate in Lead America's Inauguration Ball. Workshops on how to develop leadership skills will be offered throughout the program.

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Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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