An Inaugural Ball for the Armed Services

HONOLULU, Jan. 1 -- President-elect Barack Obama will have a Commander in Chief's Ball during his inauguration with military personnel, their spouses and those wounded fighting in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as guests.

In announcing this on Thursday, officials said tickets for the Jan. 20 military-only ball will be free to guests. The formal event will be at the National Building Museum in Washington.

"It is a privilege to honor our men and women in uniform during our inaugural festivities by continuing the tradition of the Commander in Chief's Ball," Obama said in a statement released while he vacationed here in his native Hawaii.

President George W. Bush first had a ball to specifically honor the uniformed services.

Obama and wife, Michelle, are scheduled to attend 10 official inaugural balls.