Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.
January 20, 2009

Energized Crowds Swarm Washington, DC for Inauguration
------------------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=21BBD01:A6F02AD83191E1601BCD2FA088544D1670AD7039DCD7B7E4&
 
Despite cold temperatures, crowded conditions, travelers were in good
spirits, chanting, cheering as they made their way to National Mall 
View of crowd standing on National Mall on the morning of the
inauguration in Washington, D.C., 20 Jan 2009Swarms of people flocked to
downtown Washington D.C. Tuesday, braving massive crowds and freezing
temperatures to witness Barack Obama's historic inauguration. More than
a million people poured onto the National Mall, waving American flags,
cheering and chanting. Some began crying as Mr. Obama delivered his
inaugural address. Much of the crowd watched the moment on big screens
set up around the Capitol. Others crammed into the areas along the
inaugural parade route, arriving early to secure their spots. Officials
began closing entrances to the route as it reached capacity. Woman and
daughter wearing matching Obama wool hats, and toting Obama purse make
their way to National Mall for swearing-in ceremony, 20 Jan 2009Many
revelers started their day well before dawn, pushing through the city's
streets and public transit systems. Some especially devoted people
camped out on!
  the Mall overnight in tents made of cardboard boxes. Subway stations
opened early and added extra trains, but cars were still cramped and
lines out of many key stations slowed to a crawl. By sunrise, the
streets around the Capitol were packed. The crowds trickled through
security checkpoints and around street vendors selling all kinds of
souvenirs to honor the occasion. Excited participants snapped photos on
cameras and cell phones to capture their own special moment in history.
Taking photos was one of the few functions cell phones could perform by
mid-morning, as networks clogged because of the massive amount of users.
Woman draped in US flag and wearing Obama wool hat poses on her way to
enter secured area on National Mall where Obama swearing-in ceremony was
held, 20 Jan 2009City officials closed down additional roads, entrances
and subway stations, making it difficult, if not impossible, for
later-risers to access the Mall. One key subway station was closed
briefly in the morning after a 68-year-old woman fell onto the tracks.
She was taken 
to a hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Initial reports said
the woman was hit by a train, but officials later disputed that account.
Washington was not the only place hosting inauguration celebrations.
Energized crowds also gathered in other cities across the United States
and around the world.


.