Parade
‘A New Birth
of Freedom’
“A New Birth of Freedom” commemorates the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth and expresses Lincoln’s hope that the sacrifice of those who died to preserve the nation shall lead to “a new birth of freedom” for our it.
Tickets
Tickets to the Swearing-In Ceremony are distributed by both Senators and Representatives elected to the 111th Congress.
Parade
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.
Balls
The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is responsible for all balls hosted in honor of the newly-elected President.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is responsible for selection of performers in and participants of the Inaugural parade.
To Participate
The Armed Forces Inaugural Committee is responsible for collecting requests to perform and participate in the Inaugural parade. The deadline for applying to participate has passed.
To Attend
For more information or to request parade tickets, please contact the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Facts & Firsts
In March of 1881, James Garfield was the first President to review the Inaugural Parade from a stand built in front of the White House.
Read other facts and firsts.
A Historical Perspective
The tradition of an Inaugural parade dates back to the very first Inauguration, when George Washington took the oath of office on April 30, 1789, in New York City. As he began his journey from Mount Vernon to New York City, local militias joined his procession as it passed through towns along the way.
Read more about the history of Inaugural parades.