Obama arrives to his inaugural in train

Philadelphia, Jan. 18:Barack Obama heralded a new era of change on Saturday, Jan 17 by arriving to Washington on a slow train to launch four days of inaugural festivities. He rode the train from Philadelphia, the cradle of US independence more than 200 years ago.

Scores of people had gathered braving freezing weather to honour Obama's 220 kilometer journey to the US capital from Philadelphia. The rumbling 'whistle stop' journey is part homage to Obama"s hero, former president Abraham Lincoln. Like Obama a former Illinois legislator, Lincoln who capped a cross-country train ride along the same route on the way to his inauguration in 1861.

Obama boarded the train carrying selected supporters, his Secret Service protectors and a big media pack at Philadelphia"s 30th Street station to start his 225 kms trek southwest. The train began first slow to a crawl in the town of Claymont, Delaware to allow Obama greet well-wishers.

The first stop was at Wilmington where Obama picked up vice-president-to-be Joseph Biden. Obama through his journey carried with him hopes of positiveness.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)