Updated: 01/21/2009 1:22 PM KSTP.com | Print Story
By: Chris O'Connell

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O'CONNELL: Moving day

I'm always fascinated in the behind the scenes details.

The United States has few political ceremonial traditions but Inauguration Day has to be the most interesting of them all. It is a day full of customs, protocol and tradition celebrating the transfer of power. The historical significance of this Inauguration aside, I find the small details of Inauguration Day the most interesting.

The day started with the President -Elect, Vice President-elect and their wives attending services at St. John's Church, known as the "Church of Presidents" just a few blocks away from the White House. After church, the families arrive at the White House and are greeted in the North Portico by President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. Michelle Obama arrived with white box wrapped in red ribbon for the outgoing First Lady Laura Bush. (That gift will be numbered and documented by the White House Gift Registry as the First Families last official gift) The 45 minute White House visit was officially called a "coffee" but I'm not sure if any coffee was actually served.



Next comes perhaps the most awkward part of Inauguration Day. The limo ride of incoming and outgoing Presidents to the Capitol. (Outgoing President is seated on the passenger side)

Some years the ride is a little more awkward than others. Presidential historians say Dwight Eisenhower and Harry Truman got into an argument during their 12 minute trip.

Scholars also report the limo ride of Presidents Carter and Reagan was a little frosty as well.

Immediately following the Inauguration Address, then former President Bush is escorted to Edwards Air Force Base where he will fly home to Crawford Texas. He'll be on board the same plane but it is no longer referred to during that trip as "Air Force One" since he is no longer President.

At exactly 12:01 p.m., even before President Obama took the oath of office the White House website was changed to the new administration.

In the 6 hour time of transition, a team of 95 people will be completely transforming the White House residence to the Obama family specifications. All 135 rooms including 35 bathrooms will be changed over. Closets will be filled with Michelle's designer clothes. Obama's favorite food in the fridge. And the children's toys placed their new bedrooms. There will be no moving boxes or any sign of the Bushes. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will then officially be the Obama's home.

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