Hundreds of thousands gathered Monday in Washington for Barack Obama's public inauguration of his second term. The ceremony was chaired by democratic senator Charles Schumer, the chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. Mr Obama and Vice President Joe Biden both took the oath of office at separate ceremonies at the White House and the vice president’s residence on Sunday when Obama’s first term ended.

U.S. President Barack Obama is sworn in during the public ceremony (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Obama’s inaugural address did not include the policies that his administration will pursue in the next 4 years but the traditions and urgent need to unite to maintain the US’ global leadership position instead. Obama said the US is characterized by non-discrimination of race and religion where every citizen has rights and obligations. The speech called all politicians and Americans to leave partisan conflict aside to handle the challenges facing the US. Right after the inauguration, Obama submitted his nominations for his administration’s key positions including John Brennan as CIA Head, former Senator Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary, Senator John Kerry as Secretary of State, and Jack Lew as Treasury Secretary.