1-20-05 - CAPITOL HILL (AP) - Huge cheers and a fanfare for President Bush as he took the stage for his swearing in.

President Bush has taken the oath of office for a second term. He was sworn-in outside the US Capitol by ailing Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

The stage for the ceremony is packed with political leaders and three former presidents.

In his inaugural address, Bush praised those who have served in the military, intelligence, diplomacy and "the idealistic work of helping raise up free governments."

President Bush says "a few Americans have accepted the hardest duties" in helping spread American ideals around the world.

He says citizens should honor those who have "shown their devotion to our country in deaths."

Bush urged young Americans "to serve in a cause larger than your wants."

He says in America "the exercise of rights is ennobled by service and mercy and a heart for the weak."

President Bush also promises to expand freedom around the world. He says it's the policy of the US to "seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation." Bush said the US will always make clear the choice between oppression and freedom.

He says the goal won't be to impose the US form of government on others -- but instead to "help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way."

Democrats are making a public show of bipartisanship on this inauguration day -- with John Kerry, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter among those attending the ceremony. But at the same time, Kerry has released a statement saying that he won't retreat from his "core convictions" as he works "to find common ground."

Not everyone gathered in Washington for today's inauguration is there to celebrate. Foes of the Iraq war are gathered to protest -- including some who carried cardboard boxes resembling coffins, to signify the death of US troops in Iraq. The Bush motorcade drove past some of the protesters as he headed to the Capitol to be sworn in.

As the actual swearing-in began, a group in the crowd outside the US Capitol could be heard chanting, "Stop the war."

One lone protester was heard during the speech itself -- prompting an angry reaction from others in the crowd. Security personnel were seen taking a couple of people away.