WASHINGTON - Despite the weather, nothing could rain on the parade or parties held Saturday afternoon at President Bush’s inauguration. An estimated 300,000 people from all over the nation came to witness the historic event, including a few naysayers and some talkative senior citizens.
“I’m humbled to stand here where so many of America’s leaders have come before me and so many will follow,” Bush said. “We have a place, all of us, in a long story. A story we continue, but the end we will not see.”
Accents and hats with college logos were as varied as could be for America’s 54th Inaugural Ceremony. Many filled the National Mall two to three hours beforehand, braving the cold and rainy weather. Everyone present was anxious to hear the first words of the nation’s 43rd president. The majority of the crowd openly welcomed the new leader, despite multiple protests during both the ceremony and the parade that followed.
“I thought it was very low-key, which was appropriate,” said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, after the speech. “I think what Bush is going to focus on is, ‘I’m here to do a job, I’m here to get it done, and a lot of this stuff is ceremonial, but the most important thing is to get it done.’”
The nation’s capital was filled by a crowd hoping to catch a glimpse of the new commander in chief. People stood at the Mall, stretching from Capitol Hill to the Lincoln Memorial, to show their support.
A group of women calling themselves the “southern belles” also found their way to Washington. Making the trip on a bus in a large group, one told The State News, they all sang “America the Beautiful” as they passed by the Washington monument.
Thousands of cameras flashed as each notable politician made his way to the stage where the swearing-in would take place. Past leaders Jimmy Carter, George Bush and 1996 GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole joined Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Bush near the podium.
The ceremony was highlighted by the presidential speech, which addressed Bush’s hopes for the future. Afterward, many of the people worked their way to the inaugural parade route as Bush attended a traditional luncheon.
Immediately after, Bush made his way into a new limousine, which some have labeled as “indestructible,” to make his own way down the parade route. At one point in the route, some vocal protesters threw items at the limo containing President Bush and his family. The new leader braved both temperature and crowds by walking on foot for the last few minutes of the parade.
Ten inaugural balls were planned after the parade. Bush made rounds to each one, as the new president tried to shake as many of his supporters’ hands as possible.
Washington was a flurry of activity, motorcades and traffic jams as people from all over America ran from ball to ball, some dressed up and holding the hard-to-find tickets and some just hoping to talk their way in.
New Secretary of Energy Spence Abraham, a former Michigan U.S. Senator, briefly attended a Michigan-only ball, also attended by Michigan’s 8th District Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, and state Republican Party Chairman Rusty Hills. Abraham briefly commented on Bush’s speech.
“I thought it was excellent,” Abraham said. “I’m very proud to be a part of this administration.”
The parties were far from exclusive to only Saturday night. Michigan politicians could be seen running from hotel to hotel, celebrating not only the new president, but highlights from Michigan’s own political scene. Friday night hosted two parties at the same hotel commemorating the works of area Republicans.
“It’s really been a weekend of celebrating,” said Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus while attending a breakfast Luncheon for Republican supporters at an Arlington, Va. hotel Saturday morning before the inauguration ceremony. “The whole concept of transferring power for the 43rd time to the 43rd president and doing it peacefully really speaks about the American democracy. It doesn’t happen in many countries in the world.”
