Maigrey - the salute was done on behalf of us all!
Sleuth - he says "welcome"
Photo ops were not good. A contingent of people pretty much blocked any view he had.
Local channel 7, WJLA was interviewing our military personnel. Kristinn said the folks in the crowd were thanking them for their service!
Everyone was quiet, the only thing you could hear were the cameras going off. It all sounds very respectful. He said, even the kids were quiet.
Thank you very much for posting kristinn's report.
Maica and I got to the WWII Memorial at about 4:30. A gentleman asked if we were veterans, perhaps because of our American flags. When I told him that I had been, at various times, a Navy junior, Navy wife and Navy mom, he gave us tickets to stand inside the memorial. We were standing a bit north of the color guard with a clear view of 17th street.
Just as the official cars came, two elderly gentlemen stood up from their front row folding chairs in front of us. They deserved the spot, as they were probably WWII vets themselves. We could still see between them.
The Presidential hearse stopped directly in front of us for the piping by the Navy chief. We could see the stripes of the flag covering the casket. It was very moving.
After all the official cars had passed, the boy scouts, in short sleeves, marched by. They were very impressive. Though it was about 50 degrees, they were very dignified. The people were all well behaved and respectful. It was a fine tribute to an American leader and patriot.