Presidential Inauguration: 2NEWS staffer Lara Saavedra gets tickets to historic event

TULSA - The idea of attending the 2013 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. was something I was considering for several weeks.

I asked my mom if she wanted to attend and she agreed. From there it was a matter of seeing where we would stay and how we were going to get tickets to the event. 

Each member of congress receives a designated number of free tickets that they can dole out to their constituents at their discretion.

I contacted Sen. Inhofe’s and Sen. Coburn’s office to inquire about the swearing-in ceremony and around the middle of January, Sen. Inhofe’s office called and said I received tickets to the event. 

After I got the call, I was in disbelief and overjoyed. I would be a part of history. I would be a witness to an event that happens once every four years. 

On Monday, gates to access the grounds will open at 7 a.m. EST. There will be several security check points and long lines. The ticketed area is general admission. Those who will be at the National Mall, it is standing room only. 

The musical program for the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:45 a.m. Eastern.

Performances will include music from The United States Marine Band, PS 22 of Staten Island, New York and Lee University Festival choirs. 

The official swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Eastern when Vice President Joe Biden will take the oath of office administered by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. After the vice president takes his oath, President Barack Obama will take his oath of office which is administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.

The D.C. Chamber of Commerce estimates between 600,000 to 800,000 will visit this weekend.

Lara is an assignment editor at 2NEWS. She will be tweeting while in Washington. Follow her on Twitter, search #2inDC

We will also have a live stream of the festivities beginning Monday morning. You will be able to watch it live on KJRH.com or on our phone app.

Did you know Warren G. Harding was the first president to arrive by automobile to his swearing-in? Find out more firsts, as well as a history of the bibles used in the oaths, a Q&A about past inaugurations and photos of past ceremonies at http://bit.ly/inauguration13 .