U.S. President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush wave to supporters at the Black Tie and Boots inaugural ball in Washington, January 19, 2005. The ball was the first to celebrate Bush's inauguration January 20.(Reuters)

In a city brimming with pageantry under fortress-like security, President Bush looked ahead Wednesday to his second inauguration, pledging to seek unity in a nation divided by political differences. "I am eager and ready for the work ahead," Bush declared.

Offering a preview of Thursday's inaugural address, Bush said he would speak about freedom. "This is the cause that unites our country and gives hope to the world and will lead us to a future of peace. We have a calling from beyond the stars to stand for freedom, and America will always be faithful to that cause."

The threat of terrorism prompted what authorities promised would be the tightest inaugural security ever deployed. A half-million people were expected to throng the city for the swearing-in and the traditional parade along Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.

The thunder of fireworks on the Ellipse began an inauguration-eve night of pageantry and parties for Bush, his wife, Laura, Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne. With a fresh snow blanketing city streets and the temperature in the low 20s, the Bushes and Cheneys sat outdoors on a heated stage at a musical extravaganza called "A Celebration of Freedom," named for the inauguration's theme. "No night is too cold to celebrate freedom," the president told the audience.

"Inauguration is a time of unity for our country," the president said. "With the campaign behind us, Americans lift up our sights to the years ahead and to the great goals we will achieve for our country. I am eager and ready for the work ahead."

The president and his wife began the day by reflecting on history, visiting the U.S. Archives to view the nation's most treasured historical documents, including George Washington's handwritten, first inaugural address. They also paused to see the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Bush, 58, was "focused, upbeat , optimistic" about his new term, said Karl Rove, the architect of the president's re-election campaign and a longtime confidant. "Anybody who's concerned about creating a legacy will fall short if he's not focused on the right policy and service to the country. And let history take care of itself."

After the fireworks, the Bushes and Cheneys were the guests of honor at three "candlelight dinners" for the biggest donors to the inauguration, which was expected to cost more than $40 million. Dinner tickets were distributed to those who chipped in $100,000 or more. In addition, the Bushes were joining partygoers at the first of the week's inaugural galas, the Texas State Society's Black Tie and Boots Ball.

At noon EST Thursday on the West Front of the Capitol, Bush will place his hand on a family Bible — the same one he used in 2001 — and be sworn in for a second term, a sequel to four turbulent years marked by the nation's worst terrorist attack, a U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan and a war in Iraq that has claimed the lives of more than 1,300 Americans.

At least two members of Bush's Cabinet could be approved by the Senate later Wednesday. His nominees for Agriculture and Education were among those approved by Senate committees earlier.

(Agencies)

upbeat : pleasantly (even unrealistically) optimistic（乐观的，欢乐的）