Several area residents, including one member of the Army National Guard, were expected to be among thousands of people who will attend inauguration ceremonies this morning for President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C.

Obama, a Democrat, was privately sworn into office Sunday afternoon to begin his second four-year term, but the public inauguration ceremonies will be held at 11:30 a.m. today.

Brandon Nash, 19, a member of the Army National Guard, has been selected to serve as a special officer for the festivities. He is a son of Erik and Stacey Nash, Coal Township, and 2012 graduate of Shamokin Area High School.

According to his mother, Nash and other members of the guard will provide extra security at the inauguration ceremonies. She said her son was sworn in as a special officer Friday in Washington, D.C.

During a telephone interview Sunday night, Nash's mother said, "Brandon is very excited about his special assignment."

Nash is an Army recruiter who works out of the Lewisburg Armory.

Rodger A. Babnew of Sunbury, chairman of the Northumberland County Democratic Committee, will not be attending the ceremonies, but said committee member Ellie Fogarty of Sunbury will be in attendance. He said Fogarty left for the festivities on the weekend.

When asked about Obama beginning his second term, Babnew said, "I'm very enthused about his second four years in office. I'm thankful we don't have to worry about Medicare and Social Security, and I think he will do great things for our country. The president has already proposed universal background checks on gun purchases and pushed for better resources to deal with mental health issues in an effort to prevent as many mass shootings as possible in the future."

Babnew has served as the county Democratic party chairman since June 1, 2010.

Another man from the region expected to be in attendance is Corey Walters of Selinsgrove.

Various former residents of the coal region who now live in other states reported on Facebook that they also plan to attend the inauguration ceremonies.