As a growing celebratory spirit began to consume the nation’s capital, President-elect Barack Obama on Sunday stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and declared a “celebration of American renewal”.

“Behind me, watching over the union he saved, sits the man who in so many ways made this day possible,” Obama said, in front of the marble statue of Abraham Lincoln.

Obama’s advisors began to give a taste of the inaugural address that he will deliver at the other end of the Mall on Tuesday, saying it will emphasise the themes of responsibility and restoring public confidence.

Obama said on Sunday what gave him great optimism was the “Americans of every race and region and station who came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there.”

In a series of appearances that culminated in the concert at the Lincoln Memorial, Obama ventured across a city transformed into a miles-long block party, with banners strung across storefronts and tourists covered in Obama gear.

Earlier in the day, he and Vice-President-elect Joe Biden visited Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Obama and his family later attended a service at the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church.

As Obama rode from place to place in his new armoured Cadilla, his aides made television appearances to preview his tightly held speech and to remind the public of his immediate goals upon taking over the presidency on Tuesday. Robert Gibbs, the incoming White House press secretary, said Obama had written the speech himself last weekend and was relieved to have the bulk of it completed. Obama will talk about restoring a sense of responsibility in the country, Gibbs said, conveying his belief that “we need more responsibility and accountability, certainly, in the way our Government acts”.

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