Today, I watched the inauguration several times. I was so excited to see that Barack had finally become the President of the United States. I watched the big parade afterwards and even took notes on his speech so I could remember it forever.
We finally have a Democrat for President and we need to do something that will help others in the economy we have today. People are losing jobs, stock values, and most of all money. They need our help so try to raise as much money as you can to donate to our newest President. Today, I sent several more invitations and I want to raise at least $50.
THE OBAMA INAUGURAL CELEBRATION AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIALKICK OFF INAUGURAL OPENING FESTIVITIES PRESENTED BY HBO JAN. 18
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is pleased to announce the producers and initial talent lineup for WE ARE ONE: THE OBAMA INAUGURAL CELEBRATION AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, the Opening Celebration for the 56th Presidential Inaugural, to be presented exclusively by HBO on Sunday, January 18 (7:00-9:00 p.m. ET/PT). The event will be free and open to the public, kicking off the most open and accessible Inauguration in history.The special will be executive produced by George Stevens, Jr. (The Kennedy Center Honors), and produced by Don Mischer (Olympic Ceremonies) who will also direct the special, and Michael Stevens (The American Film Institute Salutes) who is also writing the special, and will be a production of The Stevens Company in association with Don Mischer Productions.Musical performers scheduled for the event include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder. Among those reading historical passages will be Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington. The Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson will give the invocation. Rob Mathes will be the music director and arranger for the backing band, which will support all of the artists. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed."Our intention is to root the event in history, celebrating the moments when our nation has united to face great challenges and prevail," observed George Stevens, Jr. "We will combine historical readings by prominent actors with music from an array of the greatest stars of today.""This is a great opportunity to capture an historic event in a very meaningful setting," noted Don Mischer. "We will have the statue of Abraham Lincoln looking down on our stage and a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people lining the mall -- a tableau any director would relish.""We have found that the great artists are eager to take part and each one is working with us to find music that expresses the optimism and hope that people bring to the Obama inauguration," said Michael Stevens.Televised to the nation, the Opening Celebration will be a declaration of common purpose and new beginnings. The Sunday afternoon performance will be grounded in history and brought to life with entertainment that relates to the themes that shaped Barack Obama and which will be the hallmarks of his administration.HBO will televise the event on an open signal, working with all of its distributors to allow Americans across the country with access to cable, telcos or satellite television to join in the Opening Celebration for free.The 56th Inauguration promises to be the most inclusive in history, and the Opening Celebration is one of a series of inaugural events that reflect that commitment. On Saturday, the President-elect, Vice President-elect and their families will journey to the nation's capital via train, holding events that are free and open to the public along the way. They will be joined by a group of everyday Americans they met along their road to the White House. On January 19th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President-elect Obama will call on all Americans to make an ongoing commitment to serve their communities and their country. A new website, USAservice.org, makes it easy for Americans to organize service events or find existing events to participate in. To date, nearly 5,000 events have been organized across the country. That evening, Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, and their families will host a free "Kids' Inaugural" concert to honor military families, broadcast live on the Disney Channel and Radio Disney.This spirit of openness will continue on Inauguration Day, when, for the first time in history, the entire length of the National Mall will be open to the public for the swearing in ceremony. Local D.C. students have also been given the chance to receive tickets in front of the White House for the Inaugural Parade for themselves and their family members based on the submission of essays answering the question, "How can I contribute to my neighborhood through community service?"On the evening of Inauguration Day, the first ball that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend will be the first-ever Neighborhood Inaugural Ball. The ball will be broadcast live on ABC and over the Internet, bringing together neighborhoods across the country in the spirit of unity and celebration.The sum of these public events is an Inauguration that allows more Americans than ever before to come together as one nation and one people, united in our resolve to tackle our greatest common challenges and move this country forward together.source: http://tribes.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxFQs
Public Tickets Available for Inaugural Parade5,000 Bleacher Seats Lining Parade Route to Go On Sale
Washington, D.C. -- The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced today that 5,000 tickets for the 56th Inaugural Parade will go on sale to the public at 1:00 PM EST today for $25 each. Tickets will allow spectators access to bleachers along the historic parade route from the Capitol to the White House. Tickets will be available for sale at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 202.397.7328, 410.547.7328 or 703.573.7328.
Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
"We are very pleased to make these tickets available to the public as part of our commitment to holding the most open and accessible Inauguration in history," said Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "The Inaugural Parade is a celebration of America, and we are working to make sure that as many citizens as possible can take part in this historic tradition."
Thousands of spectators will line the 1.7 mile parade route as the new President and Vice President are escorted from the Capitol to the White House by over 13,000 parade participants. Over 90 music, cultural and community groups will join representatives from our Armed Forces in the historic parade, which concludes at the presidential reviewing stand, where the President and Vice President will watch the processional with their families.
Tickets are limited to four per person for purchase. Tickets are not required to view the parade, but the purchase of tickets will guarantee spectators a seated spot along the parade route. Ticket holders must be in their seats no later than 1:00 PM EST on January 20th. Standing room will be available along Pennsylvania Avenue on a first come, first serve basis.
Earlier this month the PIC announced that hundreds of free parade tickets were being made available to Washington, DC students and their families.
DC residents can visit www.pic2009.org/page/s/dcstudentessay for more information on how to obtain those tickets. For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.
Please Be Advised That Media Must RSVP For The Swearing-In and Parade Rehearsals Separately.
DRESS REHEARSAL FOR INAUGURAL CEREMONIES
6:45 AM Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (military participants only)
8:00 AM Committee of Inaugural Ceremonies and Armed Forces Inaugural Committee
9:00 AM East Front Ceremonies
Media wishing to attend the DoD West Front Rehearsal should check in at the South Screening Trailer, located on the South Lawn of the Capitol, off Independence Avenue no later than 6:15 AM.
Media wishing to attend the JCCIC and DoD Combined West Front Rehearsal should check in at the South Screening Trailer, located on the South Lawn of the Capitol, off Independence Avenue at 7:30 AM.
At the conclusion of the West Front rehearsal, those media wishing to cover the East Front rehearsal will be escorted as a group to the East Front media platforms.
Media planning to attend only the East Front rehearsal should arrive at the South Screening Trailer no later than 8:30 AM to be escorted to the East Front.
Following the East Front rehearsal, Howard Gantman, staff director for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies will be available to talk to the media, as will Armed Forces Inaugural Committee Spokespersons with the military stand-ins for the President-elect, Vice President-elect, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden.
DRESS REHEARSAL FOR THE 2009 PARADE
Following the rehearsal for the swearing-in, more than 3,000 people, including stand-ins for the president- and vice president-elect will march in the Inaugural Parade rehearsal. The participants will consist largely of the military personnel who will march in the Inaugural Parade.
PIC and Armed Forces Inaugural Committee spokespeople will be on hand at the parade rehearsal to answer questions.
Media wishing to attend the parade rehearsal should check in at Freedom Plaza at 13th and E Streets NW at 8:15 a.m.
RSVP INFORMATION
Media who plan to attend the swearing-in ceremony rehearsal must RSVP to the appropriate credentialing authority by 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 8:
DOD Media contact AFIC: 202.691.2059
Senate Daily Press Gallery: 202.224.0241.
Senate Periodicals Gallery: periodicals@saa.senate.gov
Senate Radio/TV Gallery: 202.224.6421
Senate Press Photographers Gallery: Press_Photo@saa.senate.gov
Members of the media who plan to attend the Inaugural Parade rehearsal should RSVP by 6 p.m., Thursday, January 8 to:
Adam Elkington at aelkington@pic2009.org, or Timothy Skoczek at tskoczek@pic2009.org
Source: David Apperson, LIFECLOUD.ORG
WASHINGTON - Today, in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflect the diversity and history of our great nation, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden's Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to Special Olympics to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade. Special Olympics athletes, volunteers and supporters will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.
"I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," said President-elect Obama. "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."
Organizations wishing to participate in the parade submitted an application to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), which then assisted the Presidential Inaugural Committee in reviewing all of the groups' applications. All told, 1,382 organizations applied to participate, setting a new standard for interest in marching in the parade.
Upon hearing its selection, Special Olympics made the Inaugural Parade part of its Global Law Enforcement Torch Run(r) and the parade participants, a team of Special Olympics athletes, law enforcement officials who serve as guardians of the flame, and other supporters will carry the Flame of Hope for all to see.
Since November 24, 2008, the Flame of Hope has traveled more than 30,000 miles around the world stopping on each continent to deliver a message of spirit and hope to communities where people with intellectual disabilities continue to fight for acceptance and a chance to excel without barriers.
After the Inaugural Parade, the Flame of Hope will continue across America until it reaches Boise, Idaho, where it will be used to ignite the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics World Winter Games that will take place from February 7-13, 2009.
Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization and global movement dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports to more than 2.8 million individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
All participants in the Inaugural Parade are responsible for paying for their own lodging and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. The Committee has been working closely with area governments and civic organizations to facilitate access to affordable accommodations and would like to encourage citizens from across the country to reach out and help Special Olympics raise the necessary resources to participate in this historic event.
If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the Special Olympics and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade, please contact Cary McPartlin at 202.459.7561. Visit specialolympics.org to learn more.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee was assisted in its selection process by a group of experienced military musicians, who utilized their expertise to help assess the presentation skills of marching bands, musical acts and drill teams.
Regularly updated information will be provided to the public and the media on our website, pic2009.org.
The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.
Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.
Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when
Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.
Alternative EnergySource: David Apperson
url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 11, 2008
Presidential Inaugural Parade to Include Peace Corps and AmeriCorps AlumniCommitment to Community Service Highlighted by Parade Participants, National Day of Service
WASHINGTON - Today, in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflect our nation's history of community service, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden's Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to the Peace Corps Community and AmeriCorps Alums to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade. Members of these service organizations will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.
"These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service," said President-elect Obama. "Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."
On Monday, January 19th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the President-elect and Vice President-elect and their families will join Americans across the nation as they participate in activities dedicated to serving others in their communities. In 1994, Congress passed legislation designating the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as a national day of community service, and the Presidential Inaugural Committee will be working to encourage participation in service projects nationwide to honor the legacy of Dr. King..
The Peace Corps Community will include members who served with the corps in the 1960s to the present. Marchers will carry the flags of the countries that Peace Corps have served over the years. AmeriCorps Alums will include some of the millions of alumni of national service in this country since John F. Kennedy's call to service and the conception of VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in 1961.
In addition to these groups, a number of other parade participants also participate in active community service programs. For instance, the Boy Scouts of America Troop 358 from Philadelphia has been serving members of their community for over 55 years, the Jesse White Tumbling Team from Illinois was founded in 1959 to create "hope" for troubled youth, and the Warren County Sheriff's Office Prevention Partnership from Kentucky raises and distributes money to community groups and programs that help kids stay away from drugs and violence.
All participants in the Inaugural Parade are responsible for paying for their own lodging and transportation to and from Washington, D.C. The Committee has been working closely with area governments and civic organizations to facilitate access to affordable accommodations and would like to encourage citizens from across the country to reach out and help the Peace Corps Community and AmeriCorps Alums raise the necessary resources to participate in this historic event.
If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the AmeriCorps Alums and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade, please go to americorpsalums.org.
If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the Peace Corps Community and their participation in the 56th Inaugural Parade, please contact Anne Baker at 202.293.7728 or npca@rpcv.org.
Regularly updated information will be provided to the public and the media on our website, www.pic2009.org.
PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURAL PARADEContact: PIC Communications Office 202.203.1700
Join the Caravana Obama (parade) Sunday!
The parade starts at 1:30 p.m., and there will be a gathering before at 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26Latino and Arab Americans for Obama Caravana meeting at UAW 60010550 Dix, Dearborn, MI to Clark Park, in SW Detroit
FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLICTo register your group or vehicle, contact Raquel Castaneda-Lopez, or call Rashida Tlaib at 313-319-7490.
A survey came out today that showed Senator Obama trails McCain 2 -1 in Oklahoma. That may seem like insurmountable odds, but what that survey also showed is that 58 percent of Republicans who planned to vote McCain also indicated they MIGHT CHANGE THEIR MIND!!!!!! That's HUGE!
To appeal to those folks who may be straddling the fence, we plan to march in the parade at the Yukon Czech Festival, October 4th, 9:00am. This festival attracts over 40,000 people from around the state. Imagine with me, seeing 100 plus Democrats marching united for Senator Obama and our local and state candidates in an area that is a traditionally Republican stronghold.
It's time to STAND UP and say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! The Democratic party is the party of change, we're the party of working people, we are the party who takes care of our citizens and the rest of the world. JOIN US IN SPREADING THE SPIRIT OF HOPE AND CHANGE SENATOR OBAMA HAS INSPIRED.
To prepare for the march, we will gather at the Obama OK Headquarters, Tuesday, September 30, at 6:30 to make rally signs that declare our vision, our mission. Let's have some fun, be creative and make some memorable signs for the parade! ObamaOk Headquarters is located at the NW corner of NW 39th and Classen. Check the Events page for Oklahoma and sign up to make signs and more importantly: Join us in Yukon for the parade on the 4th; eat Kolaches and have some fun!!!
Here are my photos of the Obama contingent at the San Francisco Gay Pride parade.
If you know folks I don't, please tag or comment!
Good Evening, All:
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and enthusiasm. We have made so much progress. At the same time, we have more work to do. After hearing Sen. McMumbles this week, I am fired up and ready to go.
Wendy, we missed you, girl!!! Welcome Shelley, Arlene, Pat, and TuWauna.
WHAT WE HAVE COVERED SO FAR:
July 5th Parade in Laurel, MD
Kudos to Wendy for getting us into Laurel’s July 5th parade. She went old school with kids, friends, signs, and lollipops. Jemma led us in the call and response. Pat and Elliot glad-handed the adoring Obama crowd except for the thumbs down grandma. We were loud and proud that day.
Everyone is encouraged to become a voter registration volunteer. As stated in the blog, you can stop by the election board to between 8:00-and 4:30pm. Better to go individually versus in a group. We decided to conduct the registration on August 23rd at Laurel Lakes Senior apartments (Crystal will work on getting the space. Logistics will be discussed during the conference call.)
Shelly mentioned holding an event near the Mall and for workers who commute to Arundel Mills. Marion mentioned pass out reminder flyers at Greenbelt Metro. Ann will do the flyers. Her computer has now been set free.
City elections are coming up on September 9th referendum on slots may be on the agenda.
What do you all think of collecting request for absentee ballots along with registration?
Do you want to do reminder flyers or registration for the Laurel elections?
Where are the kids
Wendy is looking into the cost for the park and Arlene is looking into access to the roller skating rink.
Election Day
Shelly is looking into process of how we can get a shuttle w/ driver to drive people to polls.
We are actually on target with our tasks, but there is one task I would like to refine…
Number of Emails to compile- I am suggesting up to 50. Do the best that you can. Keep it in electronic format and get permission from the addressees that we can send information to them.
July 26th -2:00pm-4:00pmFood for Thought Meeting – Building US Policy
Aug 6th-8pm- 20 minutesConference Call – 8pm Details to follow up
Aug 8th-COB for US Postal ServiceLast day to register to vote in Laurel City elections
Aug 11th - 4:30pm-7:30pmCafé Barack at Starbucks at Contee Rd
Aug 23rd - 10:00am-3:00pmVoter Registrations – Laurel Lakes Senior apartments
Aug 28th - 5:00pm-11:00pmNomination Party (if I don’t score tix toDenver)
My Mind is empty. Let me know if I forgot anything. Have an awesome week.
Cheers,Crystal
The day started with a little rain and a lot of enthusiasm. Our little group packed a walloped at the end of the line. Jemma lead us in the calls and response. Elliott and Pat worked the crowds. Wendy went “old school” by designing cool signs and passing out lollipops. We made sure that we had the U.S. Flag waving for all to see.
The Chants:
Vote for Obama…There’ll Be No Drama
Yes we can! Si Se Puede!
Spectators cheered us on. We had one thumb down, but our spirits were high. I felt like I was in the zone. Then, my 16 yr old nephew said, “Aunty, I’m tired.” I told him that the marchers in the Civil Rights Movement did not have walking shoes or bottled water. I don’t know if I told him that Aunty took a nap after the parade.
For those of you, who have participated in the parade, please share your thoughts with us.
Cheers,
Crystal
Pictures from the 4TH of July parade in Brandon, Florida. Click below and have fun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SwDIW2hbkI
I found red, blue and purple at the Crystal Lake parade this year. And there was Tabitha. This is a story of a city/county that is RED much like the city of Chicago is always BLUE. In McHenry county all your neighbors are Republicans and it is a shock to the system when you find someone that is not. No one pulls the Democratic Primary ballot. Why should we? Most the time there are few democratic candidates, if any, running. During the general we are used to seeing Republicans unopposed. Bush won handily in 2000 and 2004. This year the Democratic party enjoys more participation and excitement then has been seen for a time. At this parade we saw it in force. Here is our group before the parade started
and the Republicans
We had multiple banners, two vehicles, people walking with signs. Merri was wearing a shirt from the Iowa JJ, many had the Obama 08' or other candidates, and another had a Vote for Change shirt. I held the round O sign someone picked up at the Harkin Steak Fry last summer and others had signs and yardsigns from the Super Tuesday primary and later. My husband and I fashioned an "Obama stroller" with a yard sign, pompoms, and flags.
There are candidates running for state and county seats. Part of the county lies in the 8th IL congressional district and is represented by a democrat , Melissa Bean. Last cycle she won this decades long Republican seat and is up for re-election. The other part of the county lies in the 16th and this year Bob Abboud stepped up to the democratic plate to run against an incumbent Republican!
They are finding support among swing Republicans (like myself) and the independent minded. My friend Matt, who walked a few other parades in the suburbs this past week, commented that this parade had the most excitement of them all. It even started before we started to march! Members of my church (a United Church of Christ church) had a float. Some of them gave a thumbs up and came to talk to our group. Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam (a supporter who had to stay neutral) stopped by.
Even though we were in one of the last spots of the parade our mile plus march was welcomed. Our cheers found voices in the crowd. We had people consistently waving, making positive comments, many shook hands with the candidates, and yes some petted the dog (Bob's).
Future Congressman?
Ok the proud Mom is taking over for a paragraph :) These were the youngest supporters in the parade.
Jenna refused to wear her Barack Obama profile shirt so I put her in a Hawaiian sundress as an ode to Barack and completed it with a button. She walked for about a third of it, waving a sign or playing a toy horn before she had a mini meltdown and was put into the stroller. Kayla wore her 4th of July sundress and had a YES WE CAN button. She also walked about half the parade with whatever struck her to carry which included a pompom, flag, tamborine, and sign. Yes they even cheered! Jenna asks everyday "I want Barack Obama parade" to which we reply - later this month (McHenry on the 20th of July)!
And I cannot leave without mentioning Tabitha. I first met her at a phonebanking event during the primary. Then I ran into her in Indiana for voter registration efforts. She drove over 30 miles to march in this parade (it is not even in her county). I was impressed already and as you can see she came prepared - complete with a bazooka!
Oh yes watch out Republicans! From this parade experience I forecast the color Purple is IT for the fall.
From the grassroots- Mid America Mom
*Thanks to Lynda for some of the pictures*
Happy 4th of July everyone.
We had a great day yesterday marching with Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien in the Vail parade. (The Roaring Fork Dems marched in Aspen.) I have pictures and a full report posted at SquareState. Stop by and take a look.
Since I can't post pictures here, you will have to see my post online elsewhere. It's worth the trip.
Reminder: Please point your friends and Sen. Obama supporters that live in Eagle County, Colorado to our Eagle County for Barack Obama group. It would be nice to get this list in the hundreds before long and have an full corps of volunteers ready to work to win the election for Senator Obama and our other Democrats.
Here is the link to join the Eagle County for Barack Obama group.
