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Virginians get ready to welcome Barack Obama

The nation's 44th President will be sworn in Tuesday, and Virginians are all over it.
 
Troops from the Virginia National Guard will be among those from eight states helping the Secret Service and local police provide security.  Rescue crews from as far away as Campbell County will be on standby in D.C. just in case.

Virginia Tech's Highty Tighties were invited to play at the Lincoln Memorial Sunday at the last minute.  They left Blacksburg at 4:30 Sunday morning to be part of the opening celebration the Inaugural Committee says is based on the theme "We Are One."
 
Millions of Americans planned to attend Barack Obama's inauguration Tuesday.  That fact alone, the expectation of record-setting crowds, plus bitter, cold temperatures have combined to cut crowd estimates in half.

The District of Columbia had planned to accommodate up to 10,000 charter buses on Inauguration Day.  As of Friday, however, officials said only 2,700 buses had registered for inaugural-event parking.

VIRGINIA'S TEACHER OF THE YEAR HEADS TO INAUGURATION

One person who will be among the millions Tuesday is Virginia's Teacher of the Year who teaches in Roanoke.  Senator Mark Warner asked Stephanie Doyle to come along.  News7 caught up with her as she got ready for a trip of a lifetime.

"Oh, it's amazing, all the different things I'm able to do... It's just a once in a lifetime opportunity," says Doyle. 

Doyle will be sitting in the special senatorial section when Barack Obama is sworn in on Tuesday, but first things first...

"I'm going shopping for some warm clothes for the Inauguration, nice warm coat, scarf, everything," she says.  "We're going to get suited up."

Dressing warm is only one tip Inauguration officials advise for Tuesday's festivities.  Pack appropriately, meaning bring any medication, a first-aid kit and also snacks.  However, large backpacks and purses will not be allowed in high-security areas.

Speaking of security, more than 500 members from the Virginia National Guard will be working closely with the Secret Service this week, nearly half of the troops are with the First Battalion based out of Lynchburg.

Doyle is a history teacher, so for her to witness history is a dream come true and one she can't wait to share with her students at Breckenridge Middle School when she returns home.

"No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you can do anything and live out the American dream," says Doyle.

Doyle's students and the rest of Breckenridge Middle School will be watching the inauguration from class Tuesday.  Maybe they'll spot here in the stands.