CONGRESSMAN HANK JOHNSON
Georgia's Fourth Congressional District

>>Inaugural Tickets

NO MORE INAUGURATION TICKETS AVAILABLE

Unfortunately, due to overwhelming demand, our office can no longer take ticket requests. We currently have more than 6,000 requests and have been informed that we can expect less than 200 tickets for distribution.

We are in contact with the Joint Inaugural Committee and we will post information about public viewing opportunities outside the ticketed area as soon as it is available. Please check this website periodically for updates. Thank you for your interest and understanding.

INAUGURAL INFORMATION CONTENTS:

• Media credentials
• Sign up for inauguration e-mail updates
• Volunteer information
• Balls and events
• Inaugural history
• Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies

‘A New Birth of Freedom’

The 56th Inaugural Swearing-In ceremonies theme, “A New Birth of Freedom,” commemorates the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth and reiterates Lincoln's hope that the sacrifice of those who died to preserve the union would lead to “a new birth of freedom” for the United States.

For over two hundred years, America’s citizens have witnessed the inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States, from the first inauguration of George Washington, in New York City in 1789, to the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Obama. The swearing-in ceremony represents both national renewal and continuity of leadership.

• The President (Sen. Barack Obama) and Vice-President (Sen. Joe Biden) will take the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol at noon on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.  The swearing-in is followed by a parade on Pennsylvania Avenue in the afternoon.

• Each Senator and Representative receives a limited quantity of free tickets to the swearing-in and the parade that they may distribute to the public at their discretion. If you are interested in attending the ceremony or the parade, please contact my office or the office of one of Georgia’s U.S. Senators. Tickets will be distributed in January.

• You should expect large crowds and tight security. When it becomes available, Information on public viewing and access for the 2009 inauguration will be posted at Destination DC (formerly known as the Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation). You can also check for updates on the official inaugural website, Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

• Inaugural balls and parties take place at venues throughout the city, beginning approximately January 15 and ending the evening of January 20. The official state balls are planned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, which is established shortly after the election. Many more unofficial balls and parties will also be held during the week of the Inauguration.

• Requests to participate in Inauguration Day events for marching bands, marching units, mounted units, and other performers are collected by the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee.  Further information and an application to participate may be found at the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee website.

• Groups in need of assistance in locating rooms, restaurants, transportation or other needs may contact Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for Washington, DC, for support.  Groups and individuals requiring nine rooms or less may call 1-800-889-5344 for assistance or search for availability at Washington.org. Groups requiring ten or more rooms may call 1-800-422-8644 or fill out an online RFP for travel professionals or meeting planners. Note: many DC hotels will require three- or four-night minimum stays and pre-payment during this time period.