US: President Bush kicked off three days of inauguration ceremonies in Washington yesterday by making an elaborate public salute to the US military and conducting a series of television interviews to lay out his ambitious second term agenda.
Responding to criticism of the $40 million cost of the pomp and ceremony, Mr Bush told CNN: "It is important for the world to see a peaceful transfer of power, and a moment for the country to unite."
However many leading Democrats have said they will leave town for the event - some have organised an "escape the inauguration" cruise in the Caribbean - and anti-war protesters are expected to line the route and turn their back on the president's limousine as it passes.
The majority of Americans do not approve of holding the lavish ceremonies and two out of three would prefer a low-key affair because US soldiers are dying in Iraq, according to a Washington Post poll. On top of the public events, Mr Bush also attended a private reception for donors who contributed $100,000 or more to defray the inauguration costs.
Security is unprecedented for the swearing-in and parade tomorrow, with air space curtailed, extensive street closings, rooftop snipers, and spectators facing 12 security checkpoints where a range of objects from umbrellas to backpacks and baby strollers will be confiscated.
Mr Bush practised his 17-minute inaugural address yesterday before attending an event "Saluting Those Who Serve" in a downtown sports arena, that was broadcast to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Country singer Michael Montgomery sang the wartime ballad Letters from Home on a stage adorned with silver stars to 7,000 invited troops, and there were readings of letters home from Iraq, Afghanistan and from the American Civil War.
Administration officials said they hoped the event, attended by soldiers recovering from wounds at the Walter Reed Army hospital, would deflect criticism of the ceremonies and 11 black-tie inauguration balls at a time of war and a record deficit.
Mr Bush said he didn't agree with critics who said all the inauguration pomp is excessive. "I've never been much of a dancer, and the idea of going to 11 balls might be viewed as excessive," he joked on CBS News. "You can be equally concerned about our troops in Iraq and those who suffered at the tsunamis with celebrating democracy."