January 20, 2008 -- Washington D.C. is growing by about a million people today, as people from around the world gather to be a part of the Inauguration of Barack Obama. Crowds have been gathering in the national mall for days, even braving the cold weather overnight trying to get a good spot for today's inauguration. Iowans will take a special part in the festivities.
The Isiserettes from Des Moines will play during the Inauguration Parade. The Colts Drum and Bugle Corps out of Dubuque is also invited. Soldiers with the Iowa National Guard have a special mission: keep the streets safe during the festivities. About 10,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen from about ten states will support the inauguration.
As for a sweet presidential treat, an East Village cafe has been working overtime to prepare 56,000 cookies. The Obama daughters first took a liking to the chocolate chunk cookies at baby boomers cafe while they were in Des Moines for the Caucuses. Now, it's one of the official Inauguration cookies.
Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson recorded a message last week that will air as part of the Inauguration festivities today.
