Jan 21, 11:08 AM EST

Crowds gather early along inaugural parade route

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AP Photo/Alex Brandon
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AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
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WASHINGTON (AP) -- Crowds were already lining the inaugural parade from the Capitol to the White House along Pennsylvania Avenue before President Barack Obama's ceremonial swearing-in and speech to launch his second term Monday.

Choice bleacher seats along the parade route near the White House were starting to fill at 9:30 a.m. Bundled-up spectators enjoyed prerecorded military marches as they sat in the bright sunlight. As the midday ceremonies on the Capitol's West front neared, the crowds for the parade grew thicker.

Though crowds overall weren't as huge as Obama's first inaugural in 2009, the National Mall between the reflecting pool and the monument was filled under slightly overcast skies.

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