Bush celebrates second term in office

On the first of four days of nonstop festivities that some have criticized as too extravagant amid war, deficits and natural disaster, the president and first lady Laura Bush crisscrossed Washington into the evening to hobnob with soldiers, young Republicans and GOP bigwigs.

Bush takes the oath of office Thursday to begin his next four years in the White House.

Bush gave four speeches throughout the day, but the centerpiece was a salute to the military. The more than two-hour extravaganza was held at a sports arena in downtown Washington, its seats only about half-full with thousands of uniformed military and their families, including soldiers recuperating at a nearby Army hospital from wounds suffered in Iraq. The event was also piped to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"As we prepare to celebrate our nation's 55th presidential inauguration, I can think of no better way to begin than by giving thanks for our freedom and those who make it possible," Bush said as he paid tribute to military personnel and families who have lost someone in war.

"With the election behind us, the American people come together in unity to celebrate our freedom," he added. "A presidential inauguration is a testament to the power of democracy, a symbol of our confidence in the popular will and a sign of hope for freedom-loving people everywhere."

The salute, complete with pop stars and comics alongside somber documentaries, was meant to set the stage for the week's theme of celebrating freedom and honoring service. But inaugural planners and Bush aides also hoped the high-profile placement of the event at the head of the schedule would dispel talk that the festivities which could cost more than $50 million, with millions more in taxpayer dollars for security should be toned down.