President Barack Obama's inaugural parade

Firefighters, local police and US security are seen along the route prior to the parade in Washington Photograph: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images

Police wait at the ready before the start of the inaugural parade for US President Barack Obama in Washington Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images

Soldiers guard a street as crowds rush to watch the inaugural parade of the US President Barack Obama Photograph: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

US Secret Service agents scan the area from a rooftop along the inaugural parade route Photograph: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

The cavalcade rolls down Pennsylvania Avenue following the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States Photograph: Matthew Cavanaugh/EPA

A police motorcycle escort group riders ahead of the motorcade during the inaugural parade of US President Barack Obama Photograph: Rick Wilking/Reuters

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wave to the crowds as they walk down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade after Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States in Washington Photograph: Doug Mills /EPA

Canada's ambassador to the United States Michael Wilson (centre R) and Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Peter Kent (centre L) stand behind members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as they watch the inaugural parade from the Canadian embassy in Washington Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

President Barack Obama waves as he and his wife Michelle walk down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade Photograph: Larry Downing/Reuters

US Vice President Joseph Biden gestures to the crowd as he walks down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade Photograph: Matthew Cavanaugh/EPA

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle walk down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade in Washington Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk past the reviewing stand set up near the White House for the inaugural parade Photograph: John G. Mabanglo/EPA

A marching band walks down Pennsylvania Avenue during the inaugural parade Photograph: Carlos Barria/Reuters

Malia (L) and Sasha Obama watch the inaugural parade from their father's viewing stand Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Marchers on Pennsylvania Avenue following the inauguration of Barack H. Obama as the 44th president of the United States Photograph: Matthew Cavanaugh/EPA

The Red Coats marching band pass the viewing stands during the inaugural parade after President Barack H Obama was sworn in Photograph: Larry Downing/Reuters