Inaugural Parade Honors The 44th. U.S. President

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama rode at the front of the parade in a heavily-guarded limousine. Onlookers cheered wildly as the couple got out of the car in the middle of the parade, waving and smiling as they walked.

The parade route spans more than 2.5 kilometers from the Capitol to the White House. After traveling along Pennsylvania Avenue, Mr. Obama will watch the rest of the parade with his vice president, Joe Biden, from a reviewing stand in front of the White House.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee says the parade Tuesday features more than 13,000 participants, from marching band musicians to dancers to military cadets. Floats from the various U.S. states are also part of the celebration.

Many people secured their spots hours before the parade. Officials began closing entrances early, after viewing areas filled.

Some information for this report was provided by AP. By VOA News.