Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch invites the general public to join him at the Providence Performing Arts Center next Tuesday, Jan. 20, to share in witnessing history as Barack Obama is sworn into office as the 44th President of the United States.

"The monumental nature of this moment in history demands that there be a magnificent and accessible venue in which people can assemble to watch the Inauguration and to celebrate," said Lynch, who is hosting the Inauguration Watch Celebration. "While millions will attend the Inauguration in our nation's capital, many millions more across America and around the world will follow the proceedings on television, radio or through the Internet. I've chosen to stay home to join with Rhode Islanders, students, workers, senior citizens, anyone and everyone who can come to PPAC to commemorate the extraordinary day that the course of our country is changed as we cross into a promising new era with President Obama."

Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch agreed, highlighting the state's role in Obama's election.

"Rhode Island played a significant role in sending Barack Obama and Joe Biden to the White House. For months, thousands of people from all across our state volunteered to make phone calls and knock on doors in key battleground states and I'm looking forward to being with many of them again as we celebrate this historic day," he said.

Attorney General Lynch, the first and only statewide elected official to endorse Obama for President during the primary and who served as a super-delegate for Obama at the Democratic National Convention, emphasized that the event at PPAC is non-partisan and free-of charge, and thanked PPAC's President J. Lynn Singleton and his staff for making the historic venue available.

Those gathering at PPAC will be able to watch the Inauguration on a live-feed big screen television.

PPAC will open its doors for the Inauguration Watch Celebration at 10:30 a.m. The official program for the inaugural swearing-in ceremony of the Vice President and the President is slated to begin at 11:30 a.m. PPAC is located at 220 Weybosset Street in Providence's downtown.