No matter what you think of Barack Obama or Bill Clinton few people have the honor to be this close to a President being sworn into office. I was lucky enough to do it twice, in 1993 and in 1997. I'll only bore you with my favorite memory.
In 1993, Wendell H. Ford was the Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee and therefore the Chairman of the Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. This committee begins its work months before the new president is even elected. Working on Senator's personal staff we all had extra duties and responsibilities.
On the day of the ceremony I was in charge of Senator Ford's grandchildren, ranging in age from 6ish to early teens. Senator is fiercely proud and protective of those grandchildren and it was my job after the ceremony to guide them through a packed Capitol back to his offices in the Russell Building. Things were going smoothly until I heard "ITS BATMAN" and all I remember are children scattering like flies. I managed to grab the smallest by the collar as my life flashed before my eyes. How would I ever tell Missy and Senator that I had lost them? Fortunately Batman (a.k.a. Michael Keaton) didn't have a pen on him to give them an autograph and they all came rushing back to me to see if I had one.
Clearly the story ends well as I lived to tell. To be honest I don't even remember if I had a pen or not or if they got the autograph.
All I know is that tomorrow will hold many memorable moments for many different reasons for many different people. That is why this country is so great.
**There is an arrow that points to me in the first picture sort of in the left hand corner.
**In the second photo I"m the 3rd person to the right of the officer.
1 comment:
really...i had no idea! the fords couldn't be *any* sweeter! i still remember on clay's wedding day (and me being a transplant - ie: completely unaware of who the fords were) that i said "grandpa! you're going to have to give me a smile :)" during family photos - oh my, the crowd hushed and everyone turned to look at mr. ford.
the florist breezed past me and whispered, "melanie, grandpa is long time ky state senator..."
yes, i got a good smile and thankfully i think i'm forgiven...weeks later, they were on the lake, having a great time and he exclaimed "this is a melanie mauer moment" ;)
loved seeing your moments from inaugurations!!
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