Posted on 01/22/2005 6:55:01 AM PST by kristinn
The Free Republic W2 Inaugural Ball was a wonderful, but exhausting time. I'm still wiped out. But, I know folks are waiting for pics and stories. I'll add my observations later, but I wanted to share one thing before I head back to the hotel to see 'Governor' Robinson and his family off.
We received a phone call from the White House yesterday. The Office of Presidential Scheduling called to pass along President Bush's regrets for not being able to attend our ball (we had mailed a formal invitation to him and his family.) We were told, "He hopes it went well."
As it turns out, the ball went really well after a late start.
Governor Huckabee and Capitol Offense rocked the house well past midnight. Impressionist Billy Finch did a wonderful job as Ray Charles singing America the Beautiful. Sauropod's video presentaion was stunning. The speeches by the Iraqis were very moving. WMAL's Michael Graham did a great job opening the show. Nick Danger was excellent emceeing the Eagle Awards. The St. John's College High School JROTC were magnificent presenting the colors. Richard Poe was busy all night signing copies of Hillary's Secret War. Seeking the Truth and his wife, Darlie, couldn't take a break--their 0Cents.com merchandise was very popular.
Thanks to all for their hard work making sure the ball went so well. And a special thanks to the active duty service members from Walter Reed and the Pentagon, as well as the veterans, who accepted our invitations as honored guests to the ball.
Please post your reports and photos or links here. I know alot of folks are traveling home, so check back over the next few day as folks check back in on FR.
WE had a wonderful time, had to leave yesterday to beat the Blizzard. I have published some photos from the Ball to a photoblog hope it comes out OK. It is my first attempt to do this. CLICK HERE http://whughes2.photosite.com/w2ball/
ENJOY.
But first, I'll report on a disappointment. Although the folks at the electronic board had a copy of ONE FINE SOLDIER, the song written to honor John O'Neill and the SwiftVets, I don't know what happened. They didn't play it. Even after the event when we were mingling and waiting for our coats, for some reason they were unable to play it. Uncleshag, the talent who recorded ONE FINE SOLDIER, made a treacherous driving journey up from Richmond to deliver the CD and was disappointed that he did not get to hear his work. Jerry Corsi might have enjoyed it since "unfit for command" is in the lyrics. Several of you had mentioned that you'd like to hear it at the Ball. I don't know what happened. For those who have not heard it yet, download ONE FINE SOLDIER MP3 here- click on the red ONE FINE SOLDIER.
The Swiftees and other sites have asked for permission to post the song, which was given to them. There is also some talk about a CD of this and several songs that have been done becoming a fundraiser for military charities. I hope that happens. I spoke with John O'Neill a few days ago, and he was honored that a song was done for him and the men he led. As the song says, you will never know finer men.
Hey, lady! I forgot in the rush of the evening to thank you for the patriotic and festive job you did decorating the childrens' room. I'm sure they appreciated the bright colors.
Are you series? He had me fooled! (Good thing I didn't make a fool out of myself...)
Oooh! I can't wait!
I was there in spirit.
You might be right. I got the idea from Kristinn when he was up at the podium, I remember him saying it.
I had my picture taken with "Chuck Norris".
He and his wife were lovely. He said lots of people confuse him with Chuck.
I'll put the picture up as soon as it's developed.
Thanks. . .but do you know why "Chuck Norris" is a banned account?
wait. I have to think about that a bit. Too tired from this week end to follow that logic! LOL. Man I wish I only wish I could have stayed longer. I just knew my husband was in pain from standing so long at the swearing in and I knew he was being kind by staying. We had to walk over to the Metro when we left and people were waiting for us at the end of the line. Had to be courteous to those providing way home.
Excellent photos! Thanks for sharing. We also had a wonderful time.
You link is great, liked the poster pictures too (that hung on the walls).
Some fine looking FReepers out there.
much better.
Thank you Thank you everyone for any and all pictures and wonderful reports you can post..
Although I could not get to the Ball this time around, the picture and stories are great fun... almost like being there.
Thanks everyone for making FR possible..
bump for a later read. Great job with Chrissy Matthews!
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