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Bush begins festivities with focus on military

WASHINGTON - President Bush launched his inaugural celebrations on Tuesday by thanking two groups that played major roles in his election to a second term - the military that prosecuted the war in Iraq and his most ardent and generous political supporters.

On the first of four days of nonstop festivities that some have criticized as too extravagant amid war, deficits and natural disaster, the president and first lady Laura Bush crisscrossed Washington into the evening to hobnob with soldiers, young Republicans and GOP bigwigs.

Bush takes the oath of office Thursday to begin his next four years in the White House.

Bush gave four speeches, but the centerpiece was a salute to the military. The extravaganza was held at a sports arena in downtown Washington. The event was piped to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"As we prepare to celebrate our nation's 55th presidential inauguration, I can think of no better way to begin than by giving thanks for our freedom and those who make it possible," Bush said.

"With the election behind us, the American people come together in unity to celebrate our freedom," he added. "A presidential inauguration is a testament to the power of democracy, a symbol of our confidence in the popular will and a sign of hope for freedom-loving people everywhere."

The salute, complete with pop stars and comics alongside somber documentaries, was meant to set the stage for the week's theme of celebrating freedom and honoring service. But inaugural planners and Bush aides also hoped the high-profile placement of the event at the head of the schedule would dispel talk that the festivities - which could cost more than $50-million, with millions more in taxpayer dollars for security - should be toned down.

Later in the day, a young crowd, bathed in orange and green spotlights, cheered Bush and his wife at a local armory. Entertainers who included the rock band 3 Doors Down and singer Hilary Duff warmed up the crowd for the president.

He also attended two private receptions for supporters.

The president held a one-hour practice session for his inaugural address. The speech, which he will deliver after being sworn in platform outside the Capitol, is intended to lay out Bush's second-term themes: advancing freedom abroad while building an "ownership society" at home, press secretary Scott McClellan said.

WASHINGTON - A federal judge ruled Tuesday against a group of protesters who claimed they are being unfairly excluded from major portions of President Bush's inaugural parade route.

U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said the National Park Service has satisfied its obligation to allow demonstrators with the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition access to several locations along Pennsylvania Avenue on Thursday, including a large plaza with space for up to 10,000 protesters.

The lawsuit said the park service illegally blocked protesters and the public from access to vast portions of Pennsylvania Avenue reserved solely for ticketed guests approved by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Friedman also denied a challenge to Secret Service restrictions that ban all signs from being affixed to poles or sticks, saying security is an issue.

[Last modified January 19, 2005, 00:33:17]