President Obama taking the oath of office today on the steps of the Capitol. First Lady Michelle Obama held the two Bibles on which he placed his hand.

President Obama taking the oath of office today on the steps of the Capitol. First Lady Michelle Obama held the two Bibles on which he placed his hand.

Calling on Americans to "answer the call of history, and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom," President Obama used his second inaugural address to push for action on the nation's problems and to say that partisan politics should not get in the way of pragmatism.

"Progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time but it does require us to act in our time," he said in his noon hour address Monday from the steps of the Capitol.

On the day the nation also celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., the president spoke of "the star that guides us" the notion that we are all created equal and became the first president to speak in an inaugural address of "gay" rights.

He said that "enduring security and lasting peace do not require perpetual war." And he pledged that "we will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations."

We live blogged throughout the day. So if you want to read how the day unfolded, keep reading. For a chronological version, read from the bottom up.

Update at 6:54 p.m. ET. On To The Balls:

The parade has ended and Obama and the first lady are now on their way the balls. We'll stop the live blog here, but if you're looking for a report on the first lady's inaugural ball gown, we'll update this post with a picture and some information.

Update at 5:43 p.m. ET. Spectacular Sunset:

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As It Happened: Obama Asks Americans To Carry 'Light Of Freedom'