SYMBOL OF FREEDOM An American Bald Eagle, symbol of the United States, stretches his wings during the inaugural opening ceremonies, Jan. 18, 2009, at the Lincoln Memorial. More than 5,000 men and women in uniform are providing military ceremonial support to the presidential inauguration, a tradition dating back to George Washington's 1789 inauguration. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.06 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 859083-N-BEA62-870.jpg Photo Gallery