Sent to Senator Feinstein.
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate 331
Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 30510
January 22, 2009
Dear Senator Feinstein,
Re: Inaugural Event Mgt. Observations re Incidents at 56th Presidential Inaugural Ceremony
INTRODUCTION: THIS IS AN IMPORTANT LETTER REGARDING THE INAUGURAL CROWDS . I TRULY HOPE YOU PERSONALLY READ EVERY WORD OF IT AS I’M POSITIVE THAT INFORMATION CONTAINED HERE CAN SAVE LIVES IN THE FUTURE. IF OTHERS READ THIS FOR YOU, YOU WILL NOT GET THIS INFORMATION FIRST HAND. WHAT I SAW AT THE INAUGURAL WAS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. I FEEL A CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY TO PASS THIS ON TO YOU PERSONALLY AND ENSURE THAT THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN.
If you do not see the entire report to Senator Feinstein you are on the "abbreviated" page of this blog. If so, please CLICK "READ MORE" below. Please pass on this post to everyone you know. We can all save lives. Thanks. Steve Sulkin
What a setting. The magnificence of the Capitol draped in red, white and blue bunting, the Lincoln Memorial with jumbo television monitors so school children could sit at Lincoln's feet while a man with the blood of Kansans and Kenyans swore a sacred oath on Lincoln's bible; the masses of people who were waving silver, blue, yellow and purple tickets in the air, begging the security detail to let them through the gates to witness history; and finally, the profound silence of two million people listening and watching breathlessly until we all heard the words, "so help me God"....
A joyous lifting of hearts and voices exploded then, and fists clutching American flags, cell phones or cameras were thrust into the air as Barack Hussein Obama stepped forward to address the nation as the 44th president of the United States of America.
I turned with tears streaming down my face and began clicking photos of the faces around me, strangers until that moment, now bound to each other in joy and celebration. There was the stunning face of an elderly black woman, light streaming from her eyes, as lit up as a Christmas tree. The fist in the air of a beautiful young woman with a Russian-style hat. The muted sounds of clapping of a gloved man with a cowboy hat, his smile as wide as his face.
Later, as I leaned wearily against a pole on a crowded subway, a woman caught my eye and we both began to grin, then laugh out loud at the sheer audacity of the scene we had played a small role in on the Mall on this cold January day.
Obama is now the Prez. A proud moment in American history. Usually the people I vote for lose. My first sign of change.
Hi! I just started this community blog. But here are my two cents on today.
Read.
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF'S BALL TO AIR ON PENTAGON CHANNELAVAILABLE ON MILITARY BASES AROUND THE WORLD
JON BON JOVI TO PERFORM
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced today that the Commander-in-Chief's ball, honoring the country's active duty and reserve military, will be broadcast to American troops around the world on the Pentagon Channel, which is available via cable on 368 military bases and on commercial cable and satellite services throughout the United States. Overseas, the Pentagon Channel is distributed via cable and direct-to-home satellite to nearly one million troops via the American Forces Radio and Television Service.
Jon Bon Jovi will headline the talent lineup for the ball, which will be held on Tuesday, January 20th, at the National Building Museum. George Lopez will emcee the event, which also feature performances and appearances by Jordin Sparks, Miss America 2009 Kirsten Haglund, and Right On. The event is also co-hosted by the Senior Enlisted Advisors of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.
"This opportunity to honor our troops should not be limited to those who are able to be in the room with us for the evening," said PIC Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "We want all our troops, around the world, to share in this special evening with the newly sworn-in President and Vice President and the excellent talent we have for the evening. Our troops deserve our thanks and our gratitude and this is one way we hope to express our thanks to those here and abroad."
"While a relatively small number of service members will be able to attend the Commander-in-Chief's Ball in person, they will represent more than 2 million men and women in uniform," said Col. Hiram Bell, director of public affairs for the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee. "Most of those service members will be able to watch the celebration on the Pentagon Channel, or later on Armed Forces Network, and we want them all to feel part of this historic event."
The Pentagon Channel will break into regular programming with live coverage of the Commander-in-Chief's Ball, including remarks by Department of Defense leadership and both the Vice President and the President. Coverage begins at approximately 8 PM Eastern time and continues throughout the evening.
The event will be produced by The iDream Company, led by entertainment executives Suzanne de Passe, Suzanne Costen, and Madison Jones, and written by Ruth Robinson. The iDream company has been recognized with Emmy Awards, Golden Globe and Peabody Awards.
Tickets are being provided free of charge to all invited guests, which includes active duty and reserve military, wounded warriors (Purple Heart recipients), families of fallen heroes, and spouses of deployed military. This event is not open to the general public.
source: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFsx
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced the full list of ten citizens who will travel to Washington DC with a "Ticket to History." More than a quarter-million Americans from all 50 states submitted essays for a chance to attend the Presidential Inauguration.
"This is an Inauguration for all Americans, and we wanted to include a group of people from across the country who otherwise might not have been able to join us," said PIC Communications Director Josh Earnest. "We're thrilled at the overwhelming response. It demonstrates the very real sense of excitement, unity and shared purpose Americans feel at this moment in our history."
In keeping with its goal to make this the most open and accessible inauguration ever, the PIC asked Americans across the country to submit short essays answering the question, "What does this Inauguration mean to you?" Based on the strength of their essays, these ten individuals will be flown to Washington, D.C. with one guest, accommodated in a local hotel, and invited to attend the Opening Celebration, the swearing-in ceremony, the Inaugural Parade, and the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. The deadline to submit an essay was midnight on Thursday, January 8th.
Cynthia Russell, from Newberry, Florida, was previously announced as the first person invited to be part of the Inaugural festivities. Russell wrote of her dream that 2009 would be a better year for her homebuilding business. "Barack gives me hope," she wrote. "Hope that 2009 will truly bring change to Americans who find themselves in this mess with me."
The ten Americans traveling to the nation's capital next week include a firefighter who left his job in the financial sector to join the New York City Fire Department after September 11, a member of the United States Army whose husband is serving in Iraq, an inner-city school teacher in Baltimore, a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya, and a small business owner from California.
The ten Americans invited to receive a "Ticket to History" include:
William Tandey (Price, UT)
Bill Ferguson (Baltimore, MD)
James Bryan (Loganville, GA)
Spirit Trickey-Rowan (Little Rock, AR)
Aleia Jones (Chicago, IL)
Christopher Cuneen (Bronx, NY)
Cynthia Russell (Newberry, FL)
Stacy Freiwald (Coronado, CA)
James Riviere (Arlington, VA)
Amelia Nuñez (Long Beach, CA)
The 56th Presidential Inauguration promises to be the most inclusive in history, and the PIC has planned a list of inaugural events that reflect that commitment:
The sum of these public events is an Inauguration that allows more Americans than ever before to come together as one nation and one people, united in our resolve to tackle our greatest common challenges and move this country forward together.
source: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxbNc
President-Elect Obama Discusses an Inauguration for All Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, with record crowds expected in the nation's capital for the 56th Presidential Inauguration, President-elect Barack Obama discussed his plans for open and accessible inaugural events designed to allow the participation of Americans across the country.
"Unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington," said President-elect Obama. "That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day. Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration, because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation."
President-elect Obama also announced that anyone can text the word "open" to 56333 to receive official Inauguration news updates, transportation notices, and opportunities to participate, both in Washington and in communities across America.
The text of the address, as delivered, is below:
Remarks of President-Elect Barack ObamaWednesday, January 14, 2009Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday, with a simple oath that's marked the renewal of our nation's democracy for more than two centuries; I will take office as the forty-fourth President of the United States.
But this Inauguration isn't about me. It's about all of us. At this defining moment in our history, it serves as our opportunity to come together in common purpose, united in our resolve to renew the promise of this nation and meet the challenges of our time.
Now, you've probably heard the reports that unprecedented numbers of Americans are planning to join us in Washington. That will mean long lines, a tough time getting around, and most of all, a lot of walking on what could be a very cold winter day.
Fortunately, you don't have to brave the crowds and commotion in order to participate in this celebration - because we've made this Inauguration open and accessible to communities across our nation.
Just text the word "open" to 56333 for news, transportation updates, and ways you can participate.
We're kicking off inaugural week events on Sunday afternoon with a free celebration at the Lincoln Memorial that's open to the public. And to allow Americans across the country to join us, HBO will broadcast the event for free that evening.
Monday night, Michelle and Jill Biden are hosting a free Kids' Inaugural concert to honor the children of military families, which the Disney Channel will broadcast live on television and their radio network.
On the evening of the Inauguration, Michelle and I will attend the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball, and we want you to be right there with us - wherever your neighborhood is.
ABC will broadcast it on television, we'll webcast it on the Internet and post updates from the ballroom, and if you visit pic2009.org, you can even sign up to host your own neighborhood ball at home.
But that's just the beginning when it comes to ways you can get involved. I'm also asking for your active participation.
Next Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. And to honor the legacy of a man who lived his life as a servant to others, I will ask all Americans to make a renewed commitment to serving their communities and their country.
Dr. King once said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve." You don't have to wear a uniform. You don't have to be a community organizer. You don't even have to run for President. At a time when there is so much need, we are blessed with endless ways to contribute something to the life of this nation.
On Monday, my family and the Biden family will spend time volunteering in neighborhoods around Washington. I am asking you to join us in that same spirit of service to others - no matter where you live.
And we've unveiled a new tool to make it easy.
Just visit USAservice.org to find service projects in your community, or even organize your own around the causes you care about.
Log on and you'll see that thousands of events involving millions of Americans have already been set up across the country next Monday and beyond.
Because I'm not just asking you to take part in one day of service. I am asking you to make a lasting commitment to make better the lives of your fellow Americans - a commitment that must endure beyond one day, or even one presidency.
At this moment of great challenge and great change, I am asking you to play your part; to roll up your sleeves and join in the work of remaking this nation. And if you do, then I truly believe a new and better day is within our reach.
Thank you.
Barack Obama
source: http://women.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxbBh
Talent Lineup for Neighborhood Inaugural Ball and Kids' Inaugural Concert
Tuesday January 20Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder to perform, Nick Cannon to DJ at Neighborhood Inaugural Ball Airing Exclusively on ABC
Monday, January 19Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Bow Wow to perform with Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, Usher and Shaquille O'Neal scheduled to appear during Kids' Inaugural Concert Airing Exclusively on Disney Channe
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today the producers and initial talent lineup for "The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration," which will air live on ABC (8:00 - 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, Tuesday, January 20), and the "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future," a concert honoring military families airing on Disney Channel (8:00 - 9:30 p.m. ET/PT, Monday, January 19).
Musical performers scheduled for the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, JAY-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira and Stevie Wonder. Nick Cannon will DJ the event. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed.
Musical performances for the Kids' Inaugural event include the Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Bow Wow. Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, and Usher Raymond IV are also scheduled to appear. 13-year-old Perry Rubin, daughter of entertainment reporter Sam Rubin, will be the special backstage correspondent. Additional performers and guests will be announced as they are confirmed.
Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss/White Cherry Entertainment are Executive Producers of the Neighborhood Inaugural ball, with Glenn Weiss directing. White Cherry Entertainment is also executive producing the 2009 Super Bowl Halftime Show and the 2009 Tony Awards, with Weiss also serving as Director.
The Kids' Inaugural concert special is executive produced by Greg Sills. Sills previously produced The Concert for New York (post-9/11), the Kids Choice Awards, and the VH1 Rock Honors. Louis J. Horvitz is the director.
"We are honored and excited to have such top level talent performing and producing these events," said Emmett S. Beliveau, Executive Director of the PIC. "Working with ABC and Disney, we are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever."
The PIC today also announced Ricky Kirshner is the Executive Producer for all PIC TV events and Lisa Geers is the Excecutive in charge of production for all PIC TV events.
In an effort to make this inaugural celebration open and accessible to all Americans, President-elect Barack Obama will host the first-ever "Neighborhood Inaugural Ball," the premier event of inauguration evening, on January 20th. To help bring this unique event to neighborhoods across the nation, ABC will broadcast "The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration." The event will air live from the Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C.,TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET).
On MONDAY, JANUARY 19 (8:00 - 9:30 p.m. ET) Disney Channel will present "Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future," a concert celebration from the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. honoring military families. This inaugural concert celebration will be hosted by Mrs. Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and their families. The event will be simulcast on Radio Disney, and will be streamed on Disney.com immediately following the culmination of the telecast on Disney Channel.
Beginning January 16, Disney.com guests are invited to join the celebration on the Kids Inaugural pagewww.Disney.com/USA which will feature polls, games and videos on the concert performers and a component which allows guests to chat with friends and send "shout outs" by texting USA, their first name and message to DISNEY (347639). Standard carrier fees apply and a parent's permission is required if users are under age 18.
source: http://kids.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFXf
Monday, January 19th2:00 - 4:00 p.m.Capitol City Brewing Company
web: http://www.capcitybrew.com/1100 New York Ave NWWashington D.C. 20005
Take Red, Orange, or Blue lines to Metro Center Walk 1 block north to 11th and H Call (202) 628-2222 If Lost RSVP on Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=44908301249
Thanks again for all your hard work to elect the next president of the United States. Now it's time to celebrate! - Texans for Obama
THE OBAMA INAUGURAL CELEBRATION AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIALKICK OFF INAUGURAL OPENING FESTIVITIES PRESENTED BY HBO JAN. 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is pleased to announce the producers and initial talent lineup for WE ARE ONE: THE OBAMA INAUGURAL CELEBRATION AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, the Opening Celebration for the 56th Presidential Inaugural, to be presented exclusively by HBO on Sunday, January 18 (7:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT). The event will be free and open to the public, kicking off the most open and accessible Inauguration in history.The special will be executive produced by George Stevens, Jr. (The Kennedy Center Honors), and produced by Don Mischer (Olympic Ceremonies) who will also direct the special, and Michael Stevens (The American Film Institute Salutes) who is also writing the special, and will be a production of The Stevens Company in association with Don Mischer Productions.Musical performers scheduled for the event include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder. Among those reading historical passages will be Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington. The Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson will give the invocation. Rob Mathes will be the music director and arranger for the backing band, which will support all of the artists. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed."Our intention is to root the event in history, celebrating the moments when our nation has united to face great challenges and prevail," observed George Stevens, Jr. "We will combine historical readings by prominent actors with music from an array of the greatest stars of today.""This is a great opportunity to capture an historic event in a very meaningful setting," noted Don Mischer. "We will have the statue of Abraham Lincoln looking down on our stage and a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people lining the mall -- a tableau any director would relish.""We have found that the great artists are eager to take part and each one is working with us to find music that expresses the optimism and hope that people bring to the Obama inauguration," said Michael Stevens.Televised to the nation, the Opening Celebration will be a declaration of common purpose and new beginnings. The Sunday afternoon performance will be grounded in history and brought to life with entertainment that relates to the themes that shaped Barack Obama and which will be the hallmarks of his administration.HBO will televise the event on an open signal, working with all of its distributors to allow Americans across the country with access to cable, telcos or satellite television to join in the Opening Celebration for free.The 56th Inauguration promises to be the most inclusive in history, and the Opening Celebration is one of a series of inaugural events that reflect that commitment. On Saturday, the President-elect, Vice President-elect and their families will journey to the nation's capital via train, holding events that are free and open to the public along the way. They will be joined by a group of everyday Americans they met along their road to the White House. On January 19th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President-elect Obama will call on all Americans to make an ongoing commitment to serve their communities and their country. A new website, USAservice.org, makes it easy for Americans to organize service events or find existing events to participate in. To date, nearly 5,000 events have been organized across the country. That evening, Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, and their families will host a free "Kids' Inaugural" concert to honor military families, broadcast live on the Disney Channel and Radio Disney.This spirit of openness will continue on Inauguration Day, when, for the first time in history, the entire length of the National Mall will be open to the public for the swearing in ceremony. Local D.C. students have also been given the chance to receive tickets in front of the White House for the Inaugural Parade for themselves and their family members based on the submission of essays answering the question, "How can I contribute to my neighborhood through community service?"On the evening of Inauguration Day, the first ball that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend will be the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. The ball will be broadcast live on ABC and over the Internet, bringing together neighborhoods across the country in the spirit of unity and celebration.The sum of these public events is an Inauguration that allows more Americans than ever before to come together as one nation and one people, united in our resolve to tackle our greatest common challenges and move this country forward together.source: http://tribes.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFQs
At last, after many weeks in the planning and development stage, our very own Mybarackobama.com (MYBO) inaugural celebration event has finally found its form, nature and place, and we are thrilled and proud to announce the...
MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social!
http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/
We've come full circle, right back where we were supposed to be!
Initially intended to be held in a Capitol Hill church social hall -- and always imagined as an "alternative" ball --, the event grew rapidly in the early flush of euphoria and excitement of our victory in the days following the election, but through the worries and the vagaries of fundraising and just exactly how crowded Washington, DC would be for this historic occasion that we all want to witness and celebrate in a financial environment that encouraged anything but confidence, the MYBO alternative ball's future in the balance, we find ourselves welcomed by the Universalist National Memorial Church, "a liberal Christian church in the heart of the city."
The MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social is intended, as one of our fundraising volunteers put it, to be a ball:
“that will celebrate Obama's election, and celebrate the hard work we did to get to this point – and provide a space to network with fellow Obama supporters to get "fired up" for real change, going forward.
There are tons of official and unofficial inaugural balls, but the difference is this one will be affordable (hence the need for sponsorship) and Obama volunteers will have the first crack at tickets (rather than the tickets just going to the highest bidder.)”
Universalist National Memorial Church provides us an ideal space in the community at a price that allows us to accomplish our mission -- tickets priced so that everyone who would like to attend to meet so many people with whom they have exchanged on MYBO and want to meet after all these months can afford to attend.
For tickets -- http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/
BYOC, or bring your own champagne! The event will include food and a bar featuring wine and beer, an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages, but if you would like to raise a toast to Obama with bubbly, please feel free to bring your own bottle, or one to contribute to the bar. You may also help us off-set bar costs by contributing a bottle of white -- the church asks for no red in their furnished parlor, sorry! --, and the caterer will accept for refund any unopened bottles they provide and we do not need to consume.
There will also be music with performances by local and home-grown MYBO talent.
Attire is cocktail or semi-formal, but please wear what makes you feel comforable. If you need to come directly from another event that doesn't permit you to dress for the evening, such as the Day of Service at the MLK Memorial Library, please feel welcome to come as you are.
Sponsors needed! Help make the MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social a success -- become a sponsor at any level you can. Your non tax deductible donation will help with food, bar and entertainment for the evening. It's simple. The more those of you who can afford to give something more, the better the evening for all. It's The Obama Tax Plan at work, so let's put our money where our mouths are! Click here to make your donation. It's easy and fast with Google Check-out.
DC for Obama and Mayor Fenty Office's MLK Day of Service Activity (9 am to 4 pm).
The MYBO Grassroots Inaugural Ball 2009, the Social is joining together with DC for Obama, which will be collaborating with Mayor Fenty's Day of Service events and will be sponsoring supporting those in need through serving food at the MLK Memorial Library throughout the day. Please join us and take a step towards supporting others who may have less.
We will be providing further information on how you can become a part of this important day of community service and hope that you will be able to join us in taking this step to fulfill President-elect Barack Obama's call to community service.
Then, join us for a memorable evening getting to know in person so many of the people with whom you have worked, and with whom you have become friends, on MYBO.
Thank you! Mary Ritter Jacqueline Ashton de Floris The Organizing Committee
For tickets -- only $26.00!! -- http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/
Thank you!
Mary Ritter Jacqueline Ashton de Floris The Organizing Committee
For tickets -- $26 per person!! -- http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/
Please note, all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. In the event that you cannot attend, please let the organizers know so we can release additional tickets for sale. http://grassrootsball2009social.eventbrite.com/
The future is always waiting for us, despite our missteps and fears.
Although many have predicted a disastrous road ahead (economic and social cataclysms), in this administration I see new hope -- not a wild misguided sense of urgency and false alarms, but deliberate steps towards progress and a brighter future.
There is a new willingness to set aside the old failed ways, and face obstacles with every means available. It is a gathering of the nation's talent and its people under one sky, with common purpose, facing in one direction ... forward.
It reminds me of the Kennedy era -- boundless determination in pursuit of seemingly impossible but worthy goals -- like reaching for the moon, and the wealth of technology and "boundary breaking" that effort rewarded us.
My wife and I have done our part and will continue to do more. I spent 24 years in the military making America safer for our children, and now spend my days teaching at-risk children in public schools. My wife has been a nurse in critical care centers, sick wards, and on medical hotlines most of her adult life.
Now we look forward to the Obama Presidency doing its part to prove our hopes and our trust were justified. With decisive leadership and the support of the American people we cannot fail -- because we must not.
AIR FORCE * ARMY * COAST GUARD * MARINES * NAVY
If you are going to be in Washington DC during the Inauguration you may want to attend the Blogfest event to Help Wounded Veterans. see http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/detail/4jqt3
Where were you when the world stopped turning?
“If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ebenezer Baptist Church, 4 February 1968.
HELP WOUNDED VETERANSSource: David Apperson, LIFE CLOUD
http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFK9
The MyBarackobama website bloggers and supporters will convening in Alexandria, VA to meet and celebrate the Inaugural.
The event will feature two comedians, speakers, raffle, meet-up and more!
The event falls on the National Day of Service, (Martin Luther King's Day). Our new president has encouraged us to bring people together to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and how we can commit to becoming more engaged citizens. To rise to Barack Obama's challenge we will be raising funds on behalf of wounded soldiers and veterans.
The Fisher House (http://www.fisherhouse.org/) The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. Fisher House Foundation has received an A+ rating from Charity Watch.
Fisher House™ Foundation, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.
Time: Monday, January 19 from 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Murphy's Grand Irish Pub 713 King St Old Town Alexandria, VA
RSVP for the event: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsxyq2 | RSVP as space is very limited, overflow on first floor may be required.
Metro riders: Take the King Street exit...pub is located 7 blocks from the metro.
***************************
This event is also part of the General Colin Powell Formally Unveils Renew America Together Initiative at the following URL: http://www.usaservice.org/page/event/detail/4jqt3
As we prepare for the inauguration on the 20th, many of us are thinking about collectibles we will have available to us. I’m talking about collectibles that we can hand down to our kids, collectibles that remind us of what we have accomplished and where we need to go.
Sure, there will be many pins and buttons given out at the inauguration and all the parties, which for the most part will inevitably lost in the coming weeks.
Ones you will keep forever. I'm talking about Bobbleheads.
Bobbleheads have been around for hundreds of years in some form or fashion. We have created a unique collectible of our 44th President Barack Obama as the true "Superman." Here to save us from the trouble we have got ourselves into.
We have also created one with Vice President Joe Biden.
Both are Limited Editions of 100 and hand signed, numbered, and designed by Rick Lynn of The Bobblehead, LLC.
You can view the Bobbleheads at http://www.thebobblehead.com. Simply click on Political section under the Online Store. Have some for your inauguration party.
Please Be Advised That Media Must RSVP For The Swearing-In and Parade Rehearsals Separately.
DRESS REHEARSAL FOR INAUGURAL CEREMONIES
6:45 AM Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (military participants only)
8:00 AM Committee of Inaugural Ceremonies and Armed Forces Inaugural Committee
9:00 AM East Front Ceremonies
Media wishing to attend the DoD West Front Rehearsal should check in at the South Screening Trailer, located on the South Lawn of the Capitol, off Independence Avenue no later than 6:15 AM.
Media wishing to attend the JCCIC and DoD Combined West Front Rehearsal should check in at the South Screening Trailer, located on the South Lawn of the Capitol, off Independence Avenue at 7:30 AM.
At the conclusion of the West Front rehearsal, those media wishing to cover the East Front rehearsal will be escorted as a group to the East Front media platforms.
Media planning to attend only the East Front rehearsal should arrive at the South Screening Trailer no later than 8:30 AM to be escorted to the East Front.
Following the East Front rehearsal, Howard Gantman, staff director for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will be available to talk to the media, as will Armed Forces Inaugural Committee Spokespersons with the military stand-ins for the President-elect, Vice President-elect, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden.
DRESS REHEARSAL FOR THE 2009 PARADE
Following the rehearsal for the swearing-in, more than 3,000 people, including stand-ins for the president- and vice president-elect will march in the Inaugural Parade rehearsal. The participants will consist largely of the military personnel who will march in the Inaugural Parade.
PIC and Armed Forces Inaugural Committee spokespeople will be on hand at the parade rehearsal to answer questions.
Media wishing to attend the parade rehearsal should check in at Freedom Plaza at 13th and E Streets NW at 8:15 a.m.
RSVP INFORMATION
Media who plan to attend the swearing-in ceremony rehearsal must RSVP to the appropriate credentialing authority by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 8:
DOD Media contact AFIC: 202.691.2059
Senate Daily Press Gallery: 202.224.0241.
Senate Periodicals Gallery: periodicals@saa.senate.gov
Senate Radio/TV Gallery: 202.224.6421
Senate Press Photographers Gallery: Press_Photo@saa.senate.gov
Members of the media who plan to attend the Inaugural Parade rehearsal should RSVP by 6 p.m., Thursday, January 8 to:
Adam Elkington at aelkington@pic2009.org, or Timothy Skoczek at tskoczek@pic2009.org
Source: David Apperson, LIFECLOUD.ORG
