US dressed up to welcome its 44th Prez, Obama

Washington, Jan 20: United States on Tuesday, Jan 20 will witness its first ever African-American take the oath as the 44th President of United States. In the wake of this momentous occasion, security has been tightened up along Pensylvania avenue--the route to be taken by Obama from the White House to Capitol Hill.

Special US forces, security choppers and nearby military bases have moved in to prevent any untoward incident.

However, the mood on the streets remains buoyant with around 2 million people expected to turn up to witness Obama's inauguration.

The Hotels along the parade route are filled with people attending the ceremony, including members of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. Members of the Academy's choir will perform today at one of the numerous balls around the city.

On the eve of his inauguration, Obama talked to wounded troops at a military hospital and then visited an emergency shelter for homeless teens, grabbing a roller to help give the walls a fresh coat of paint.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)