Wicker: Mississippians Prominent at Inaugural Events

WICKER: MISSISSIPPIANS PROMINENT AT INAUGURAL EVENTS

REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker
January 24, 2005

The State of Mississippi was well-represented at 55th quadrennial presidential inaugural ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Several hundred Mississippians made the trip to witness the second inauguration of George Bush, and official events during the week included a number of outstanding performers from our state.

From the first inauguration of George Washington in 1789 to President Bush's second swearing-in last week, Americans have come together to celebrate this continuity of leadership that symbolized the strength of our great republic. Republicans and Democrats set aside their differences to observe this revered tradition marking the orderly beginning of a new term of office for the president.

CEREMONY HELD AT CAPITOL

The 20th amendment to the U.S. Constitution prescribes that the terms of the President and Vice President shall begin at noon on the 20th day of January. The event was held on the east front portico of the U.S. Capitol from 1829 until 1981, when President Ronald Reagan's inauguration was moved to the Capitol's west front. It has been held there ever since.

Mississippi senator Trent Lott served as chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. For nearly a year, he led the planning for the events leading up to the noon-day ceremony. He had an opportunity to include several Mississippians in the festivities.

Tupelo native Guy Hovis, who spent 12 years as a mainstay on the "Lawrence Welk Show," was one of the featured entertainers on the program preceding the inaugural ceremony. Before a crowd of more than 250,000, he performed a song written by Attorney General John Ashcroft entitled, "Let the Eagle Soar."

MISS. CHOIR, BANDS PERFORMED

The Alcorn State University Concert Choir from Lorman, Mississippi, and the Gautier, Mississippi, High School Band were also among the groups invited to take part in the inauguration. These talented young men and women shared the stage with the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club and the U.S. Marine Corps Band at the Capitol prior to President Bush taking the oath of office. The Stone County High School Band from Wiggins was selected to represent our state in the inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.

The post-inaugural luncheon in the Capitol's historic Statuary Hall also had a Mississippi connection. Pewter Graphics, Inc., in Gulfport created the commemorative gifts traditionally presented to the President, Vice President, Congressional leaders, and 200 guests. The gift, a blue crystal bowl, included handcrafted pewter renderings of the U.S. Capitol Dome and White House.

B.B. KING ALSO FEATURED

Another of our state's favorite sons prominently featured in the week's activities was blues legend B.B. King. He performed at a reception entitled, "Mississippi Red, White, and Blues," hosted by the Mississippi Republican Party.

Mississippians also worked behind-the-scenes on the inauguration. Luke McAlpin of Tupelo, Shellie Purvis of Brandon, Kirk Pepper and Kyle Wallace of Jackson, Parker Pugh of Macon, and Galey Tatum of Hattiesburg were among the young people who helped ensure that the ceremonies ran smoothly.

Tight security measures, snow-covered streets, and temperatures in the 30s did not deter Americans of all ages from enjoying the inauguration. I was proud to see so many Mississippians among that number, both as observers and participants for these historic events.

http://www.house.gov/wicker/Inaugural.htm