Replies

In 1969 while a student in DC me and friend got tickets to witness Nixon's first inauguration. After it ended we walked up to the side of the Capitol walked towards the front, and walked back. We took a right to see if we could get in to back of the building and walked past Marine guards who were looking front not behind where we walked.

We got to the driveway and saw Hubert Humphrey and his wife Muriel who stopped and shook our hands. Another 10 yards and I stood right behind a gentleman who was being interviewed live by Mike Wallace. the gentleman was Governor Ronald Reagan. I continued up the driveway until I was stopped by SS agent. I figured we were caught out. He asked step to the curb.

Then the presidential limo that was to take Nixon to parade was moved in front of me 1 foot away and I had a good look inside. Then moved to the entrance of the Capital building and was told the entire inaugural party be coming out the door shortly. A pushy TV reporter tried to jostle me out of the way (Sam Donaldson) but I held my ground.

Has it happened it finally occurred to security that we weren't supposed to be there and they just pointed us down the driveway. Ten minutes Nixon drove by and gave us a big wave.

Point is at no time were we checked for weapons before or after we were discovered.