55th Presidential Inaugural Committee Unveils Inaugural Theme and Schedule of Events

Presidential Inauguration Committee ^ | December 15, 2004

[RWR8189]

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) Chairman Jeanne Johnson Phillips and Executive Director Greg Jenkins announced the inaugural theme, “Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Service”, and the schedule of events surrounding the 55th Presidential Inauguration.

“We are a nation at war, and it is fitting that the inaugural events reflect not only the great sacrifices made by our troops everyday to protect our freedom, but also the cherished ideals that make our nation so unique,” said Phillips.

The committee released the schedule of inaugural events beginning with a Military Gala on Tuesday, January 18th and ending with a National Prayer Service on Friday, January 21st. There will be a variety of events throughout the four-day span, including a youth entertainment concert and a Commander-in-Chief’s Ball.

The youth entertainment concert will focus on community and public service. It will include musical acts, video clips, and guest speakers.

The Commander-in-Chief Ball will be a special celebration for troops and their families, focusing on those that have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan or will soon be deployed. This event has been added to the inaugural celebrations to honor our troops and thank them for their service. It will be free of charge.

“The Commander-in-Chief Ball will specifically honor and thank the men and women and their families who are on the front lines of freedom every day. This unique event will celebrate the vital work of our military to protect our nation,” said Jenkins.

There will also be three candle light dinners, nine inaugural balls, the traditional parade, and other activities. Parade participants and entertainment will be announced as appropriate.

The website for the 55th Presidential Inauguration will be live today. It is designed to assist members of the public as they seek tickets and information about President Bush’s second inauguration and learn more about America’s inaugural traditions. New features will be frequently added as inauguration day nears.

Current Features include:

• Remembering the 54th Inaugural. This feature includes a video featuring photos, and audio clips from President George W. Bush’s first inaugural address.
• Inaugural history. Learn how our inaugural traditions got started with the story of the first inaugural and facts about each inaugural since.
• Request tickets online. This feature includes an online form for the public to request tickets to inaugural events.

Members of the media and the public will be notified of any changes to the schedule of events.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2005

SALUTING THOSE WHO SERVE
The MCI Center

CHAIRMAN’S RECEPTION
Mellon Auditorium

YOUTH CONCERT
The DC Armory

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2005

CHAIRMAN’S BRUNCH
Mellon Auditorium

A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
The Ellipse

CANDLELIGHT DINNER #1
Union Station

CANDLELIGHT DINNER #2
The Nat’l Building Museum

CANDLELIGHT #3
The Washington Hilton

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2005

ST. JOHN’S CHURCH SERVICE
St. John’s Church

SWEARING IN CEREMONY
US Capitol

INAUGURAL PARADE
Pennsylvania Ave.

CONSTITUTION BALL
Washington Hilton

FREEDOM BALL
Union Station

INDEPENDENCE BALL
Convention Center (A)

TEXAS WYOMING BALL
Convention Center (B)

LIBERTY BALL
Convention Center (C)

DEMOCRACY BALL
Convention Center (D)

PATRIOT BALL
Convention Center (E)

STARS AND STRIPES BALL
Convention Center Ballroom

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BALL
National Building Museum

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2005

NATIONAL PRAYER SERVICE
National Cathedral

[RWR8189]

Presidential inaugurals are not only a moment to look to our nation’s future but a chance to celebrate the democratic principles and ideals that have made America great. The 54th Presidential Inauguration continued this tradition with its theme Celebrating America’s Spirit Together. Please watch our look back at our celebration of freedom and democracy and the inauguration of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

[rabidralph]

Slim pickings in the store but they say they'll be adding more stuff later.

[AmericanInTokyo]

And to think, some IDIOT Dems are STILL trying to challenge and overturn the 2004 election! LOL! The train's leaving the station without those morons anyway. :-)

[kitkat]

***The Commander-in-Chief Ball will be a special celebration for troops and their families, focusing on those that have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan or will soon be deployed. This event has been added to the inaugural celebrations to honor our troops and thank them for their service. It will be free of charge. ***

I love this. Has any wartime president ever had a ball for the military before?

[Cobra64]

My perception is that we will be celebrating our Commander in chief and our military. It would be fun to see W declare and Executive Order that as of 21 January, 2005; the United Nations has no province on the shores of The United States of America.

Step two, HUD, NEA, OSHA, DOE, will be eliminated. Further details to follow next week for the remaining agencies.

Good news to report, due to the elimination of the afrementioned agencies, our troops will be granted a 15% increase in their pay.

THIS is what W should do on 20 January, 2005; if he really wants to "spend his political capital."

I'd essentially shut down Washington, DC. Let these lazy bastards go find a job teaching children, building machinery, or performing a task that builds the country's infrastructure, business, or education.

[McGavin999]

I LOVE the fact that they are going to do a Commander in Chief's Ball. What a terrific idea!

[freepersup]

Per your profile: I like your style- bump!

Your post wasn't too darn bad either (backhanded compliment) Thanks for telling it like it ought to be !

Moving to Alpine, AZ., area... when I finish my tour in Afghanistan (civilian Army contractor)

[MVV]

Just got back from DC, we stood in line for almost 2 hours to pick up our Stars & Stripes Ball "package"/tickets!! Thank god we went today, Monday 1/17/05 and didn't wait till tomorrow or Wed. cannot wait to meet all the FReepers on Wed. night, really excited.