Inaugural Parade Tickets

When the president and vice president finish their lunch with Congress, the duo makes its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House in a celebrated and anticipated parade for the American public.

The inaugural parade began with George Washington taking office in New York City. When he began his trek in Mount Vernon, a number of militias joined the procession as it passed through towns. Once in New York, members of the Continental army, government officials and American citizens joined the group to walk Washington to Federal Hall for his swearing in ceremony.

Thomas Jefferson was the first president to lead a parade in Washington, DC. Jefferson and a group of government officials and citizens were followed from the Capitol accompanied by the music of the Marine Band - a music outfit, which still performs at all presidential parades.

The parade has evolved a number of ways over the year, including the addition of floats to the fun (William Henry Harrison), the first time that African Americans marched in the parade (Abraham Lincoln), the first time women participated in the parade (Woodrow Wilson), the first televised parade (Harry Truman) and the first canceled (Ronald Reagan).

Today, the presidential parade is certainly a grander affair than it ever was before - the event is organized by the Joint Task Force Armed Forces Inaugural Committee. The parade now includes marching bands, marching units, mounted units

Clearly there is more military today - no riding on horseback down the streets of Washington for modern presidents. In the 2005 parade, President George W. Bushs motorcade, a number of limousines and SUVs, and there were emcees in different areas.

The ceremonies now also reflect the President more than they did before. Bush expressed an interest involving the armed forces more than usual, and that was achieved. There was a strong presence from S, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen.

As the years progress, political agendas become more prominent in the inaugural parade - there are often protesters lining the streets alongside supporters, expressing their dislike of the new president.