US Ambassador Susan L Ziadeh speaks to guests at her Doha residence during the live telecast of President Barack Obama’s public swearing-in ceremony on Monday.
By Fazeena Saleem
DOHA: The US embassy here on Monday celebrated ‘Presidential Inauguration,’ held a day after Barack Obama officially affirmed duties in a private ceremony at the White House.
Monday’s ceremony was hosted by Ambassador Susan L Ziadeh at her residence in Doha, and coincided with events that took place in Washington DC, as the public swearing-in ceremony was held on the west front of the US Capitol.
Ambassador Ziadeh hosted over 150 Qatari alumni from US universities and dignitaries to celebrate President Obama’s inauguration for a second term. “The US marks its transition of government with a day of events that have developed over time to become our modern day inauguration. We are honoured to share this special tradition with our friends and colleagues from Qatar. Today we mark 57 peaceful transitions of power and a time for our leadership to acknowledge the voices and aspirations of the American people,” said Ambassador Ziadeh, in her address to the guests.
“Our citizens not only have rights, but responsibilities to contribute to our country and society at large,” she said, as President Obama dedicated the Inaugural Ceremony to National Service Day, encouraging Americans to volunteer in civic and community-based organisations across the US. Guests watched the live telecast as Obama was sworn in by Chief Justice John G Roberts, as the 44th president of the US.
The theme of the 2013 Inauguration of President Barack Obama was ‘Faith in America’s Future,’ which recalled the installation of the Statue of Freedom on the Capitol Dome 150 years ago in 1863.
The US presidential inauguration happens every four years and invites a spectacular number of events. The new president gets his own day of feasting, procession, statesmanship, and celebration.
The Peninsula
