A Look Back at the 2009 Inauguration Ceremony

Obama's big moment, memorable guests, plus more.

Getting Tickets - Tickets to the swearing-in ceremony are free and are typically distributed on a lottery system by members of U.S. Congress. Contact the office of your state’s senators or representatives to request tickets. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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A Trip Down Memory Lane - From the memorable guests to world reaction to America's first Black president, BET.com recaps President Obama’s history making 2009 inauguration ceremony. The president will be sworn in for the second time on Jan. 21.  — Britt Middleton On Jan. 20, 2009, an estimated 1.8 million people flocked to Washington, D.C., to watch President Obama be sworn in to office. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

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Welcome, Mr. President - President-elect Barack Obama makes a grand entrance at  the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Photo By Alex Wong/Getty Images

A View From the Top - A view from the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Inauguration Day. (Photo: Cecilio Ricardo/U.S. Air Force via Getty Images)

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A View From the Top - A view from the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Inauguration Day. (Photo: Cecilio Ricardo/U.S. Air Force via Getty Images)

Hug It Out - Obama greets civil rights activist and U.S. Congressman John Lewis on the way to the stage. (Photo: Cecilio Ricardo/U.S. Air Force via Getty Images)

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Hug It Out - Obama greets civil rights activist and U.S. Congressman John Lewis on the way to the stage. (Photo: Cecilio Ricardo/U.S. Air Force via Getty Images)

The Queen Has Arrived - Aretha Franklin treated the crowd to a performance of "My Country 'Tis of Thee," which was certainly sweetened by her impeccable hat game. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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The Queen Has Arrived - Aretha Franklin treated the crowd to a performance of "My Country 'Tis of Thee," which was certainly sweetened by her impeccable hat game. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Doting Dad - Obama gets the sign of approval from daughter Malia. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Doting Dad - Obama gets the sign of approval from daughter Malia. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Biden Takes His Oath - Vice President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20, 2009. (Photo: Chuck Kennedy-Pool/Getty Images)

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Biden Takes His Oath - Vice President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20, 2009. (Photo: Chuck Kennedy-Pool/Getty Images)

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A Star-Studded Affair - Beyoncé and Jay-Z sit front and center at President Obama's inauguration. They joined a host of A-list supporters, who converged upon Washington for the ceremony. (Photo: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

A Little Magic for the Occasion - NBA legend Magic Johnson at the inauguration ceremony.  (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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A Little Magic for the Occasion - NBA legend Magic Johnson at the inauguration ceremony.  (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Ready for Action - Oprah Winfrey takes in the sights during the ceremony. The media mogul was one of Obama’s biggest surrogates during his run for office. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

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Ready for Action - Oprah Winfrey takes in the sights during the ceremony. The media mogul was one of Obama’s biggest surrogates during his run for office. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

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Steven Spielberg: December 18 - The iconic director and multiple-Oscar winner turns 67. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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All Eyes on Obama - Director Steven Spielberg takes in Obama's big moment from the crowd. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

One for the History Books - Boxing promoter Don King makes a patriotic fashion statement at the ceremony. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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One for the History Books - Boxing promoter Don King makes a patriotic fashion statement at the ceremony. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Witnessing History - Sean "Diddy" Combs and Denzel Washington give Obama their undivided attention. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Witnessing History - Sean "Diddy" Combs and Denzel Washington give Obama their undivided attention. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Thumbs Up! - Former president Bill Clinton and then Secretary of State designate Hillary Clinton await Obama's speech. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Thumbs Up! - Former president Bill Clinton and then Secretary of State designate Hillary Clinton await Obama's speech. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A Mighty Oath - Joined by wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia, Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States, becoming the nation's first Black president. (Photo: REUTERS/Chuck Kennedy/Pool)

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A Mighty Oath - Joined by wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia, Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States, becoming the nation's first Black president. (Photo: REUTERS/Chuck Kennedy/Pool)

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Connection to Obama - Allen received a VIP invitation from the White House for Obama's swearing-in ceremony. Allen told the Washington Post he and his wife were excited to vote for Obama in the 2009 election. Sadly, Allen cast his ballot for Obama alone as Helene passed away on the eve of Election Day.  (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Making It Official - Chief Justice John Roberts swears in Obama before millions of spectators.  (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Lots of Gratitude  - President Obama gives a big wave to the crowd after taking the oath of office. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Lots of Gratitude - President Obama gives a big wave to the crowd after taking the oath of office. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Big Turnout - A bird's-eye view of Washington's National Mall shows the masses of people who turned out for Inauguration Day. (Photo: AP Photo/GeoEye Satellite Image)

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Big Turnout - A bird's-eye view of Washington's National Mall shows the masses of people who turned out for Inauguration Day. (Photo: AP Photo/GeoEye Satellite Image)

Bright Smiles - Millions of people braved chilly January temperatures to celebrate the president's inauguration. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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Bright Smiles - Millions of people braved chilly January temperatures to celebrate the president's inauguration. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

All Wrapped Up - Commemorative items like these Obama-themed towels were among the memorable keepsakes made for the occasion. (Photo: Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images)

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All Wrapped Up - Commemorative items like these Obama-themed towels were among the memorable keepsakes made for the occasion. (Photo: Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images)

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Take It All In - People around the world tuned in to watch the ceremony, such as here at a town hall in Paris. (Photo: AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)

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Take It All In - People around the world tuned in to watch the ceremony, such as here at a town hall in Paris. (Photo: AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)

Capitivating the World - Thousands of miles away from Washington, Mujo Bota, 64, took in the ceremony with his family in the village of Dejicici, near Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. (Photo: AP Photo/Amel Emric)

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Capitivating the World - Thousands of miles away from Washington, Mujo Bota, 64, took in the ceremony with his family in the village of Dejicici, near Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. (Photo: AP Photo/Amel Emric)

Tears of Joy - Stationed near Baghdad, Iraq, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Beverlee Burton shares a tender moment while watching the ceremony with fellow soldiers. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

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Tears of Joy - Stationed near Baghdad, Iraq, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Beverlee Burton shares a tender moment while watching the ceremony with fellow soldiers. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

The Center of It All - In the U.S., thousands of spectators watch in Times Square in New York City. (Photo: AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

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The Center of It All - In the U.S., thousands of spectators watch in Times Square in New York City. (Photo: AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

A New Day - Vertie Hodge, 74, of Houston is overcome with emotion as she witnesses the inauguration of the country’s first Black president. She told the Associated Press she remembers a time when Blacks had no opportunities, but said listening to Obama say he is for everyone made her emotional.(Photo: AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Mayra Beltran)

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A New Day - Vertie Hodge, 74, of Houston is overcome with emotion as she witnesses the inauguration of the country’s first Black president. She told the Associated Press she remembers a time when Blacks had no opportunities, but said listening to Obama say he is for everyone made her emotional.(Photo: AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Mayra Beltran)

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Kenyans Pay Homage - In Kenya, the home nation of Obama’s father, excitement overflows for the occasion. President Obama’s connection to the African nation has earned him the nickname “Son of Kenya” among its people. (Photo: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images)

Cheers All Around - Back in Brooklyn, New York, people get rowdy for the new president. (Photo: AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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Cheers All Around - Back in Brooklyn, New York, people get rowdy for the new president. (Photo: AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Trips for Students - Thinking of bringing your students to the ceremony? The Smithsonian Institution's student travel service will plan the trip for you. (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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America, the Beautiful - A tiny tot waves a flag for Obama with his mom while watching the ceremony in Los Angeles. (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Sweet Farewell - Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, wave as they board a Marine helicopter at the U.S. Capitol. In tradition, the former president's departure from the Capitol formally designates the start of his post-presidential life. (Photo: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Sweet Farewell - Former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, wave as they board a Marine helicopter at the U.S. Capitol. In tradition, the former president's departure from the Capitol formally designates the start of his post-presidential life. (Photo: AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

On His Way Out - A Marine helicopter with former President George W. Bush on board departs from the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. (Photo: AP Photo/Tannen Maury, Pool)

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On His Way Out - A Marine helicopter with former President George W. Bush on board departs from the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. (Photo: AP Photo/Tannen Maury, Pool)

Photo By Photo: AP Photo/Tannen Maury

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All Together - President Obama and wife Michelle stand at attention on the stairs of the U.S. Capitol with Vice President Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, ahead of the start of the inaugural parade. (Photo: Max Whittaker/Getty Images)

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All Together - President Obama and wife Michelle stand at attention on the stairs of the U.S. Capitol with Vice President Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, ahead of the start of the inaugural parade. (Photo: Max Whittaker/Getty Images)

Parade and Ball Tickets  - Ticket information for these events will soon be available on the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies website. (Photo: Staff Sgt. Timothy Kingston/U.S. Army via Getty Images)

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What a Show - Thousands of spectators watch inaugural parade performers as they make their way down Pennsylvania Avenue and toward the White House. (Photo: Staff Sgt. Timothy Kingston/U.S. Army via Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Staff Sgt. Timothy Kingston/U.S. Army via Getty Images

Cozying Up - It was blisteringly cold for Obama's first inauguration, so Mrs. Obama cozied up to her husband on the inaugural parade route. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

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Baby, It's Cold Outside - President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama snuggle up as they walk in the inaugural parade. (Photo: Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images)

Peekaboo! - Sasha Obama sneaks in a wave through the limousine window. (Photo: AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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Peekaboo! - Sasha Obama sneaks in a wave through the limousine window. (Photo: AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Photo By Photo: AP Photo/Susan Walsh

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At Last - President Obama and the first lady are the picture of elegance as they dance at the inaugural ball that evening. The presidential couple danced to the Etta James classic "At Last,” sang by Beyoncé. (Photo: REUTERS/Jim Young)