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More than 6,000 service members expected to take part in 58th presidential inauguration

Posted at 12:05 PM, Jan 16, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-16 17:43:50-05

WASHINGTON, D.C. - More than 6,000 service members are expected to take part in the 58th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. this Friday.

The U.S. Air Force Color Guard marches along Pennsylvania Avenue during the Department of Defense Inaugural parade dress rehearsal in Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2017. More than 5,000 military members across from all branches of the armed forces of the United States, including Reserve and National Guard components, provided ceremonial support and Defense Support of Civil Authorities during the inaugural period. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Carlson)

The U.S. Air Force Color Guard marches along Pennsylvania Avenue during the Department of Defense Inaugural parade dress rehearsal in Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2017. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Carlson)

The ceremony, in which Donald Trump will formally become President of the United States, is steeped in tradition.

"This peaceful transfer of power is so important for this country," said Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker, commander of the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region.

The Joint Task Force - National Capital Region coordinates all military ceremonial support  for the inaugural period.

It includes members from all branches of the armed forces, including Reserve and National Guard.

The inaugural period runs from January 15 to January 24.

The first event happened Sunday with a rehearsal for the inauguration.