The U.S. Capitol, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
Dear All, yes, I know I'm a week+ late, but "better late than never," and here are some photos of the big event last week in Washington, D.C., the inauguration of Donald J. Trump on Jan. 20, 2017. Above, sharp shooters are stationed high over the speakers and members of Congress, former presidents, wives, members of the U.S. Supreme Court, and many others seated below.
We had orange standing room tickets and had no problems entering the U.S. Capitol grounds, saw short or no lines, and far fewer people than at either of Barack Obama's inaugurations when I had a seat at both events (courtesy of a lobbyist).
Law enforcement at the Capitol was not too gruff, unlike the strict ones a few hours later who examined everything (taking apart my compact!) for parade admittance at the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor.
Early in the morning, entering the orange standing room side. The picture captures the gray and gloomy day. At least, it wasn't too cold, and the wind was absent. Yes, a few drizzles of rain, but nothing like the forecasts predicted.
Since I had virtually no Northern Virginia friends going to the inauguration (an indication of the local lack of interest), my out-of-town family and I decided to take a chance and try and find a parking spot at the East Falls Church Metro station (normally packed on weekdays). Voila! Plenty available at 7:15 a.m., and the Metro was far less crowded than on a typical work day.
We arrived at the Capitol a little after 8:15 a.m. (plenty of police at the Metro stations) and stood in one spot a total of four hours since the swearing-in began at 11:30 a.m. and lasted about an hour. If you left your group to go to the portable john (toilet paper in good supply all day, another indicator of smaller crowds v. 2009 and 2013), it was extremely difficult to find your friends later. We stood behind the big wall where Number One Guests (Congress, et al.) sat. Not a great spot for viewing pleasure. (Please see below.)
My children refused to move from our original spot so we could have a better view of the big screen without tree branches. A mother always listens to and obeys her children.
I haven't read this anywhere else, but I think President Trump neglected to mention President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter when Mr. Trump recognized former presidents in Trump's introductory remarks.
Previous to the omission, thousands of Republicans at the Capitol warmly greeted the Carters when they descended the steps to the platform, and the crowd was almost as welcoming to the Obamas when they emerged from the Congressional shelter at the top of the steps.
The reception for Bill and Hillary Clinton was not unexpected, one of loud boos and some choruses of "lock her up!" which rang out every time Hillary's face later appeared on the big screen.
Whether you voted for her or not, you must admire Hillary's bravura, poise, and attendance at the inauguration and the luncheon afterwards, unlike 60 or so of her Democratic friends in the U.S. Congress who started the Trump presidency on the wrong foot with their announced rejections of the invitations to the inauguration. How can you negotiate when you don't communicate?
However, at the swearing-in, the loudest boos were reserved for U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) because he talked so long and began a history lesson. (Attention: Inaugural speakers, including preachers and excluding the president: Please consider those standing in the cold and speak no more than 90 seconds! Thank you.)
Why was Schumer given so long to speak? Because the opposition party gets on the agenda? Who chooses or chose him? Even I, a Democrat, became weary, and after a little while, none, repeat none, of his words could be heard among the thousands booing and screaming for him to sit down.
It seemed like Florida sent most of its Republicans who voted for Trump to the inauguration since throughout the day, about 75% of the folks we talked with came from the Sunshine State.
One lady, who I believe said she was from Sumter County north of Orlando, told me 89% of registered Republicans in her county turned out to vote! That's an incredible number. One of their canvassers was a 99-year-old woman on a walker. Folks, in 2020, I am certain the Democrats will have that kind of enthusiasm, anger, and energy to boot the Republicans out the door (if we are not under martial law then). It will happen in 2018, too.
From the U.S. Capitol, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie The Obamas make their departure in the helicopter above, and some Republicans told me they were sad. So were we! Fare thee well! When George Bush's helicopter flew over the Capitol on January 20, 2009, thousands on the ground cheered and applauded his exit. (See a picture here.)
At the U.S. Capitol, Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
This couple got their way! (And their men.)
Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017 near First and C streets, NW/Photo by Patricia Leslie
After the ceremony ended, we exited on the Constitution Avenue side of the Capitol and headed to Union Station for something to eat before the parade began. Protesters up ahead (someone said they were Jesus protesters) blocked and slowed us down until law enforcement opened a barricade to let we the people out.
For various reasons, we wound up at the Alibi restaurant where a 20% tip was automatically added to the entire bill with tax. Questions: Is this because we were a party of three? It was a special day? We had no Alibi? I try to avoid eating in the District for tricky reasons like this!
We stood in front of the Frances Perkins Labor Building (only three barricades between us and the parade participants) to watch the parade where these young fellows on the fence line were overtaken by sleep. See the progression of the little one on the left in the photos below.
At last the parade began with military leading the way.
On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
These marchers are, I think, members of the U.S. Coast Guard.
On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
Minutemen from 1812 came. Long life!
Maybe these are minutemen who play the flute. Flutists from 1812.
On Constitution Avenue in front of the Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
Ahoy, mates! Photographers on trucks ahead!
President Trump may be in the back seat with thumb up.
A patriot from Montana
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
The Pipes & Drums of the Emerald Society of the New York City Police Department
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
"Victories for Veterans." I may be able to explain part of those empty bleacher seats.
For Barack Obama's second inauguration, I bought a parade seat ticket ($44), but when I finally got around to the gate (having exited on the Independence Avenue side of the Capitol-mistake!-from the swearing-in, forced by barricades to walk to the Washington Monument and up 18th to reach the parade gate at 14th and F), the Secret Service refused to let me in. It might have been because the Obamas were near and walking up Pennsylvania Avenue. Ticket holders for parade seats for Trump's inauguration may have also been denied entrance for this reason.
A Falls Church couple we met on the Metro returning home later that night (2017), said hundreds did not get in or on the Mall grounds for Trump's swearing-in because Security took so long. I do know law enforcement was strict and exacting when checking at the security gates for parade admission. (BTW, I fought and got back my $44 from the 2013 whatever committee.)
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
West Monroe High School Marching Band, West Monroe, Louisiana in front of the West Building, National Gallery of Art
Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Long Island, NY
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums, Long Island, NY
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
The renowned Texas State University Strutters mix it up with a very important fellow (in yellow) at the parade, a pooper scooper. It was the Strutters' second inaugural parade: Their first was JFK's in 1961. Those struts must be the secret to their maintaining youth and beauty for they have not aged a day.
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
Members of the Marching Tornadoes from Talladega College, Talladega, AL, a college founded in 1867 by two former slaves. Their march in the 2017 Inaugural Parade was not without controversy.
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
Members of the Marching Tornadoes from Talladega College, Talladega, AL, high step in front of the West Building, National Gallery of Art.
Members of the Marching Tornadoes from Talladega College, Talladega, AL, at the West Building, National Gallery of Art.
Boy Scouts of America
Inauguration Day Parade, Jan. 20, 2017/Photo by Patricia Leslie
Families of America's Fallen Heroes, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
The Pride of the Southland Band from the University of Tennessee. Parade watchers joined the music and sang "Rocky Top" when the band marched by.
The Pride of the Southland Band from the University of Tennessee at the West Building, National Gallery of Art.
Who'll be marching in 2021?
patricialesli@gmail.com
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