Thousands Gather for Obama Inaugural Celebration Concert at the Lincoln Memorial

WE ARE ONE: President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive at the 'We Are One' concert at the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18. (Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, D.C.―Thousands gathered on the National Mall, Sunday afternoon—two days before Barack Obama takes the oath of office—for the We are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial. The opening celebration for the Inaugural included a star-studded line-up of actors and musical performers, who read historical passages and sang musical anthems from American History.

Bruce Springstein opened the concert singing his song, “The Rising,” which was followed by performances from U2, Mary J Blige, Usher, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, John Legend, and Sheryl Crow. Actors included Jack Black, Tom Hanks, Queen Latifah, Forest Whitaker, and Samuel L. Jackson, who recited historical passages from prominent figures in American History.

The President-elect addressed the crowd, referencing the monuments that surround the National Mall and recognizing historical figures that stood in that place.

“Directly in front of us is a pool that still reflects the dream of a King, and the glory of a people who marched and bled so that their children might be judged by their character’s content.”

Mr. Obama said, “But despite the enormity of the tasks that lie ahead, I stand here today as hopeful as ever that United States of America will endure, that it will prevail, that the dream of our founders will live on in our time.”

Mr. Obama continued, “You came here because you believe in what this country can be, and you want to help us get there.”

Vice-President-elect Biden, spoke of the “American dignity” of work:

[caption id=“attachment_79724” align=“alignleft” width=“320” caption="THOUSANDS: People gather at the National Mall at the