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Getting ready for the inaugural parade

We’re one week away from Inauguration Day, and final preparations are being made for the celebration. Over the weekend, the Joint Task Force—National Capitol Region and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies held their dress rehearsal for the inaugural parade and ceremonial swearing-in. Check out some great behind-the-scenes photos, then make sure to sign up for updates as we get closer to the start of the 57th Presidential Inauguration.

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Behind the scenes at the inaugural parade

Before the inaugural parade makes its way down Pennsylvania Avenue in one week, check out a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the floats.

Why Kate serves: saying thank you

Kate H., Colorado

On the National Day of Service, volunteers all over the country will dedicate a few hours of their time to serving their communities—at food banks, health clinics, park clean-ups, and through thousands of other projects. It's a tradition started by the first family as a way to spend a day giving back, and for Colorado student Kate, it's a chance to lend a hand to an organization that's close to her heart.

Kate is hosting a service project with the Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado, where she's volunteered for years to help hungry families in her community. She and her fellow volunteers will help collect, organize, and distribute food to those who need it. Kate says the National Day of Service is the perfect opportunity not just to give an extra boost to the food bank this month, but to show other volunteers a fun and meaningful way to get involved in giving back year-round.

"I want to make sure that we are helping out those in need in southern Colorado—but my greatest goal is for volunteers to walk away with the feeling that they gave back to their community in an important and proactive way. The Day of Service is an excellent opportunity for people to get out into their communities and volunteer, and I would love it if this was so inspiring to them that they make volunteering a commitment in their lives."

Kate's excited to be a part of the National Day of Service, and to bring her neighbors together to help the hungry. For her, it will be a day spent giving back to the community she loves.

“Community service is so important. I feel that, because of all the opportunities I have been given, the least I can do is give back to a community that has given so much to me. To me, service demonstrates compassion, gratitude, and humility. It's a simple and rewarding way to say, 'thank you.'"

Sign up to give back to your community—get involved in a National Day of Service event near you.

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The Inaugural 2013 app

Download the Inaugural 2013 app.

Looking to stay connected to everything happening during the 57th Presidential Inauguration? All you need is your smartphone.

The new Inaugural 2013 app is your way to stay in-the-know with everything that’s going on in D.C. and across the country during Inauguration Weekend.

Check out some of the great features of the Inaugural 2013 app, now available for iPhones and Android devices:

Live stream: The Inaugural 2013 app’s built-in live stream is your front row seat to President Obama’s ceremonial swearing-in.

Maps: Coming to D.C. for Inauguration Day? Use the maps to find your way to events like President Obama’s ceremonial swearing-in on the National Mall and the inaugural parade.

National Day of Service: Find out how you can continue the first family’s tradition of service by volunteering in your community.

Inaugural 2013 app

Obama Inauguration

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Martin Luther King III explains the history of his father’s bible and its connection to @BarackObama’s oath of office: http://t.co/4iN1QGHP
Obama Inauguration profile image Obama Inauguration @obamainaugural
"It's a simple and rewarding way to say thank you." See why Kate is giving back on the National Day of Service: http://t.co/M1iPIbcS #iserve
Obama Inauguration profile image Obama Inauguration @obamainaugural
Remember "Mohawk Guy" from the @MarsCuriosity landing? See what he and NASA have planned for #inaug2013: http://t.co/3ifuoad1
Obama Inauguration profile image Obama Inauguration @obamainaugural
Want to learn more about the @marineband’s 54th consecutive inauguration performance? Colonel Colburn has the answers: http://t.co/eWtAN8jn
Obama Inauguration profile image Obama Inauguration @obamainaugural
Looking to stay connected to everything happening during #inaug2013? All you need is your smartphone: http://t.co/3kIJ1U5M