North Texans will be among the hundreds of thousands of people expected in Washington, DC for Monday's ceremonial Second Inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Just after 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, six buses left Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas carrying 300 people to Washington. Those taking the trip said watching the President take the oath of office carries a special meaning.
"It is historical, but it's also let the President know that we support him and the things that he's trying to do for this country," passenger Linda Wynn said.
"To me, it's an experience," said passenger Yolanda Hamilton. "You know, to get there for this inauguration and everything, so it's an experience for me."
Most of the people on the bus are from North Texas, but some passengers are from Austin, San Antonio and Arkansas.
Also, 21 students from Southern Methodist University in Dallas arrived in Washington on Saturday. The communications and journalism majors will report, tweet and blog about the festivities. This is the fifth inauguration attended by SMU students as part of the "Hilltop on the Hill" program.
Also, 14 students from the Dallas International School will be part of the crowd in Washington. They include five U.S., seven French, one Belgian and one Iranian/Moroccan student.
Dallas city councilman Dwaine Caraway helped fund an effort to send 117 members of the Townview 'Big D' High School Marching Band to attend the inauguration.
Also, members of the Lake Highlands High School Wildcat Wranglers plan to be in DC to perform at the Texas State Society's Black Tie and Boots Inaugrual Ball. The Richardson ISD group is a high school juniors and seniors group of country and western dance and stunt team members.
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Several North Texas representatives will also be in the nation's capitol for Monday's events. State Representative Rafael Anchia (D) of Dallas will be among those in attendance.
Finally, 11 police officers from Dallas Area Rapid Transit will be in Washington, DC to assist with security. They will work with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority during the inaugural activities.
