Inaugural events scheduled

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By Richard C. Gross, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

The theme for the inauguration Jan. 20 of President-elect Barack Obama has been dubbed "Renewing America's Promise," the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Wednesday.

It also announced a preliminary four-day schedule of events that will wrap around the inauguration, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day the day before, Jan. 19.

The theme of "Renewing America's Promise" reflects a vision that underscores the new administration's "commitment to restoring opportunity and possibility for all and re-establishing America's standing as a beacon of hope around the world," the committee said.

"At this moment of great challenge and great change," Mr. Obama said in the statement, "renewing the promise of America begins with renewing the idea that in America we rise or fall as one nation and one people. That sense of unity and shared purpose it what this inauguration will reflect."

The schedule of events includes:

--Sunday, Jan 18: A welcome afternoon event open to the public.

--Monday, Jan. 19: Mr. Obama, Vice President-elect Joe Biden and their families "will participate in activities dedicated to serving others in communities across the Washington, D.C., area." Those activities will be in connection with congressional recognition of the King holiday as "a national day of community service."

--Tuesday, Jan. 20: Traditional inaugural ceremonies, including the swearing-in on the West Front of the Capitol, a lunch in the Capitol's Statuary Hall, the 56th Inaugural Parade and official inaugural balls in the evening.

--Wednesday, Jan. 21: Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden will participate in a prayer service.