Jan 20, 2009 7:14 pm US/Eastern
Obama's Inaugural Parade Makes History, Too
President's Parade First With Gay, Lesbian, Transgender & Bisexual Group Taking Part
WASHINGTON (CBS) ―
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The Brooklyn Steppers were one of 90 groups fortunate enough to march in President Obama's inaugural parade. They're the only group from NYC to take part.
CBS
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President-elect Barack Obama helps paint the walls at the Sasha Bruce House, a shelter for teens on Jan. 19, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
Joshua Roberts-Pool/Getty Images
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Michelle Obama helps volunteers with Operation Gratitude on National Service Day on Jan. 19, 2009, at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images
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President-elect Barack Obama (left), Vice President-elect Joseph Biden (cent) and Commander Military District of Washington Maj. Gen. Richard Rowe (R) pay their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Jan. 18, 2009.
Dennis Brack/Getty Images
The inauguration ceremony was just the beginning of the festivities honoring President Obama. Millions of people came to line the streets of Washington, D.C. and salute the nation's new Commander-in-Chief.
And aside from what could be a record number of revelers, a record number of groups – nearly 1,400 – applied to be a part of the parade, with only 90 making the cut. One local New York group was just so lucky to be one of them.
All the way from Bedford Stuyvesant, the Brooklyn Steppers rocked the parade Tuesday. The Steppers are the only band from New York City invited to the march in the Capitol.
About two million people, most standing, lined the 1.7 mile parade route. Tickets for the 5,000 seats sold out in minutes.
Obama's parade made history, too. It was the first time a band made up of gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual members marched in an inaugural parade, keeping with the theme of diversity.
Obama's hometown of Chicago was represented by the Jessie White Tumblign Team. The group offers an alternative to the streets for inner city kids, highlighting service to the country, another parade theme.
And also from the state of Illinois: an Abraham Lincoln-themed float, in keeping with the President's admiration of the nation's 16th President, whose 200th birthday will be marked next month.
The military always has a strong presence in the inaugural parades, taking place in every inaugural parade since 1801.
The Obama's rode along the route in a special vehicle named "The Beast," clearly delighted with the sights and sounds before them.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, got out of their car on Pennsylvania Ave., waved to the cheering spectators on both sides of the street, and then walked part of the way, smiling and waving.
A couple of moments later, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, joined them on the walk.
Along the way, hundreds of people who had been packed on rooftops and balconies broke into loud cheers. They got an unobstructed view of the parade from above the large crowd.
The Obamas got back in their limousine for a few minutes and then got out again not far from the reviewing stand.
The parade route has also been lined with police and military personnel, who have saluted as the new president's limousine slowly moved past them.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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