Congressional Democrats welcome Obama

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi presented the new president and vice president with flags that flew over the U.S. Capitol as they were sworn in Tuesday.

In a speech at the inaugural lunch, Pelosi noted the flags were resting on a table used by President Abraham Lincoln "as he took the oath of office for a second time." President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden lunched with congressional leaders after the ceremony.

"On that day, he gave an inaugural address that some consider to be his greatest speech," Pelosi said. "He spoke of reconciliation, renewal and unity for America. Today we heard that same vision from President Barack Obama."

Obama was also welcomed by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Hoyer said the inauguration was about "the millions who shaped a movement for change," not just the new president.

Reid, like Pelosi, brought Lincoln into his welcome.

"President Barack Obama's inaugural address appealed to our better angels and best intentions," Reid said, in a reference to the closing words of Lincoln's first inaugural. "He reminded us that no matter how daunting our challenges may seem, America always answers the call of history."