Players Stage Rehearsal of Inauguration

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON - The make-believe president fidgeted slightly on this chilly and overcast Sunday but otherwise stood stoically, ready to accept the oath of office from the make-believe Supreme Court chief justice.

The daylong dress rehearsal on Capitol Hill for President Bush (news - web sites)'s inauguration ceremony lacked the main characters and supporting cast, some of whom were played by U.S. troops and Hill employees. Only snippets of celebratory music sounded over loud speakers, and just two of the planned 21 shots of cannon fire rang out to mark the president's second term.

The timing, however, was more precise, as organizers made certain that planned music, movements and speeches will result in Bush's swearing-in as scheduled at noon on Jan. 20.
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The platform, soon to be adorned by red, white and blue, is the largest for a presidential inauguration, Basile said. The design is also new, with stadium seating surrounding the microphone to allow for better views.

The rehearsal also timed the behind-the-scenes movements within the Capitol, including escorting the president and vice president from the building's underground crypt and moving dignitaries to the inaugural luncheon following Bush's address. Outside, police lined the avenue that runs along the building, and troops in fatigues roamed the grounds.

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