The 2009 Inaugural celebrations were off to a great start with the Kick Off Concert on Sunday, January 18, 2009. President Obama's goal to make his administration open and accessible to all Americans was mirrored in the free concert at the Lincoln Memorial.The crowd stretched between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. My friend and I arrived around 12pm, which was nearly two and a half hours early. There was definitely a chill in the air but the atmosphere of excitement was palpable through the cold.
An estimated 400,000 attendees heard historical commentary from superstars like Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hanks, and Denzel Washington. Abraham Lincoln was the focus of many of the speakers- parallels between Lincoln's efforts to bring together an America divided by ideology and President Obama's historical nomination and election were clear.
Entertainers kept heads bobbing and bodies swaying between speakers. U2, Garth Brooks, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and Usher were just a few of the big names that welcomed us to the Inaugural festivities. There are more photos below!
Bono and U2 rocked the crowd!
Vice President Biden's rousing speech urged Americans to work together to overcome the obstacles facing us today.
Garth Brooks' "Shout" got the crowd fired up!
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