Rejecting an atheist's request, two justices declined on Wednesday to have the Supreme Court step in and bar the saying of a prayer at President Bush's inauguration. Chief Justice William Rehnquist denied Michael Newdow's initial claim, the Newdow filed an appeal with Justice John Paul Stevens, who also turned it down.
THE SCHEDULE
11 A.M.
U.S. Marine Band; music by Wintley Phipps; music by Guy Hovis, vocalist from Tupelo, Miss.
11:30 A.M.
Call to order and welcoming remarks by Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss.
Invocation by the Rev. Dr. Luis Leon, rector at St. John's Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C.
Mezzo soprano Susan Graham
Oath of office administered to Vice President Dick Cheney
Mezzo soprano Denyce Graves
Oath of office administered to President Bush
Inaugural address
Benediction by the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston
National anthem sung by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bradley Bennett
2 P.M.
Inaugural parade, Pennsylvania Avenue
7 P.M.
Constitution Ball, Washington Hilton
Freedom Ball, Union Station
Independence Ball, Texas Wyoming Ball, Liberty Ball, Democracy Ball, Patriot Ball, Stars and Stripes Ball at the Convention Center
Commander in chief ball, National Building Museum
THE MENU
Inaugural luncheon menu for President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, dignitaries and members of Congress today:
First course: scalloped crab and lobster.
Second course: roasted Missouri quail with chestnuts and brined root vegetable.
Third course: steamed lemon pudding and apple wild cherry compote.
THE SWEETS
Washington's famous Willard Hotel will prepare 25,000 desserts designed to pay tribute to President Bush's Texas and Republican roots. The goodies include:
1,000 pounds of chocolate for such confections as chocolate cowboy boots, chocolate elephants, chocolate sculptures and white chocolate medallions bearing the presidential seal.
Creme brulee, with a sugar coating heated by hand with a blowtorch.
Sugar-crusted yellow rose petals, dipped in chocolate.
Jelly candies that actually taste like roses, as confirmed by reporters.
ON TV
President Bush takes the oath at noon today. But there's an entire day of pomp. When coverage starts:
