A WEEK OF PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanThis week was abuzz with presidential activity in Washington as all the exciting inaugural events took place to kick off the next four years of the White House administration.
Saturday, January 19, 2013, was meant to honor America’s children and our military families who endure so much to protect our country. “Kids’ Inaugural: Our Children, Our Future” was a celebration of song and selflessness.
Katy Perry, Usher, Mindless Behavior and Far East Movement all were on hand and joined First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha and Malia and Dr. Jill Biden and family for an evening full of fun and merriment. The FOX hit show “Glee” took to the stage to entertain the guests in their usual magical manner. Mrs. Obama proudly recognized the strength of our military children who are moved from school to school throughout their childhood as part of the lifestyle that they lead as their parents serve our country where they are needed.
The concert was streamed live to several military bases across the country. Everyone came alive that evening in anticipation of all the festivities that lay ahead.
It was also designated as a “National Day Of Service” and this designation of the day will hopefully become a tradition for other presidents in years to come.
Sunday, January 20, 2013, was a truly historic day as the President took his first oath of office for a second term. This oath would be repeated once again on Monday, January 21st for a much larger public audience. Because of the manner in which the date fell on the calendar, the President had to begin his new term at noon on January 20th which just happened to be a Sunday. Vice President Joe Biden got a very early start to the day as he was sworn in at the Naval Observatory and the oath was administered by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The Vice President placed his hand on a bible that has been handed down in his family over the generations and dates as far back as 1893. This particular Sunday started more somberly as both the President and Vice President honored our nation’s fallen soldiers by placing a large wreath, adorned with red, white and blue ribbon in front of Arlington National Cemetery. In the background, a bugle played “Taps” ever so lightly.
This Sunday was certainly not a day of relaxation as it was then off to church with the family. As this day coincided with Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and celebration of his life, President Obama decided to incorporate invoking King’s memory to all as a part of the events of the day.
January 21, 2013 was the culmination of what the festivities had all been about. It was the official swearing-in. This dual ceremony is only the second time in history that a President took the oath four times. Franklin Roosevelt was sworn in four times because he was elected four times but Obama was sworn in twice in 2008 due to playing on the side of caution after Justice John Roberts made a mistake while giving Obama the oath and so the ceremony had to be repeated.
How quickly four years passes. It was a day of looking back at accomplishments and gazing ahead to goals that will be challenging and hopefully doable. The ceremony took place shortly before noon. Before all the hoopla could get underway, the President was once again sworn in using the bible that was used by President Abraham Lincoln and his other hand was placed on Martin Luther King’s bible. Longtime talented singer/songwriter, James Taylor, performed the patriotic “America The Beautiful” for all to idolize.
Much was said in the way of duties and promises that were given to the American public. Here are some of the excerpts:
“This generation of Americans has been tested by crises that steeled our resolve and proved our resilience. A decade of war is now ending. An economic recovery has begun. America’s possibilities are limitless, for we possess all the qualities that this world without boundaries demands: youth and drive; diversity and openness; an endless capacity for risk and a gift for reinvention. My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it – so long as we seize it together.
We understand that outworn programs are inadequate to the needs of our time. We must harness new ideas and technology to remake our government, revamp our tax code, reform our schools, and empower our citizens with the skills they need to work harder, learn more, and reach higher. But while the means will change, our purpose endures: a nation that rewards the effort and determination of every single American. That is what this moment requires. That is what will give real meaning to our creed.
We, the people, still believe that every citizen deserves a basic measure of security and dignity. We must make the hard choices to reduce the cost of health care and the size of our deficit. But we reject the belief that America must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future. For we remember the lessons of our past, when twilight years were spent in poverty, and parents of a child with a disability had nowhere to turn. We do not believe that in this country, freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few. We recognize that no matter how responsibly we live our lives, any one of us, at any time, may face a job loss, or a sudden illness, or a home swept away in a terrible storm. The commitments we make to each other – through Medicare, and Medicaid, and Social Security – these things do not sap our initiative; they strengthen us. They do not make us a nation of takers; they free us to take the risks that make this country great.
We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations. Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms. The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries – we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure – our forests and waterways; our croplands and snowcapped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That’s what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.
You and I, as citizens, have the power to set this country’s course.
You and I, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time – not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values and enduring ideals.
Let each of us now embrace, with solemn duty and awesome joy, what is our lasting birthright. With common effort and common purpose, with passion and dedication, let us answer the call of history, and carry into an uncertain future that precious light of freedom.
Thank you, God Bless you, and may He forever bless these United States of America.”
After the Inaugural Address, a singer with a powerful gift of song, Kelly Clarkson, amazed and impressed with her performance of “My Country, Tis of Thee”. History was also made as one of the youngest Cuban-American inaugural poets, Richard Blanco, who was also the first Hispanic and openly gay poet, read his original work titled “One Today.” With over 800,000 attendees present to witness this great event, you could feel the electricity in the air. Then it was time for the Inaugural Luncheon which is a tradition that dates back to President William McKinley’s term in 1897. This year, there were close to 200 guests present, some high officials and gifts were presented by Congress to the President and Vice-President on behalf of the American people.
Once the official business was taken care of, it was time for the much-awaited activities to begin. First was the Inaugural Parade.
The parade took us past some of the most historic sites in the city of Washington such as the FBI Headquarters, Freedom Plaza, The Treasury Department, memorials, statues as it started in procession along Pennsylvania Avenue between the Capitol and the White House. To show his gratitude to the American public, the President and the First Lady got out of their limousine within the motorcade and walked the route for three blocks waving and blowing kisses with a warmness for all those that came out to share the excitement. Over 8,800 people participated in this event such as the Boy Scout Troop 358 from Philadelphia, Georgia State University Marching Band and PalmView High School Mariachi and Folkloric Group of La Joya, Texas.
The parade was not without its protestors in addition to Obama fans but isn’t that what this country is all about, freedom of speech? It would certainly not ruin what was turning out to be a perfect day. Believe it or not, this parade route was charted by President Thomas Jefferson in the first Inaugural Parade almost two centuries ago. How far we have come and yet we still hold on tightly to tradition.
Once the day was complete, it was time for the most fashionable event of these few days, the Inaugural Ball. It was a gala of glee and glamour. Once again, Jason Wu was the designer of choice to show off Michelle Obama’s beauty. Four years ago, she was also wearing a Jason Wu creation for the Inaugural Ball. This year’s flattering feat of fashion was a long high-neck red gown with velvet details and accessorized with Jimmy Choo shoes, a Kimberly McDonald ring and a wrist full of sparkling bangles.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by disco balls with the sound of Madonna’s “Holiday” playing in the background. The evening was shared between The Commander-In-Chief Ball and The Inaugural Ball. President Obama took his wife’s hand and formally gave her the nod as if he was asking her permission for this first dance which was sung by award-winning songstress/actress Jennifer Hudson. She performed Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” and the dance began.
The enjoyment filled the ballroom with the sounds of Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Smokey Robinson, John Legend, Stevie Wonder and more. It was a sweet end to an evening and yet it is just the beginning to a whole new term of challenges for four more years.
On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, a National Prayer Service was held at The Washington National Cathedral, another tradition that has taken root over the centuries. The service brought together a diverse group of dignitaries and Americans to celebrate power of faith through prayer, readings and musical pieces.
Now the difficult work begins. There is much to attend to in order to put the country on track. Issues such as speeding up the economic recovery of the United States, passing comprehensive immigration and gun control measures and bringing the war in Afghanistan to an end are just some of the top priorities that await the President and Vice President.
Another four years of service begins and we put the festivities in the history books for our future generations.
PHOTO CREDITS: Getty Images, AFP, A/P, Robert Deutsch of USA Today, Reuters
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