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.
Sure did! I'm sure he was getting creeped out from my staring at him! :) Maybe the reason he kept walking away very quickly!
I'd feel better about the whole experience if his nametag said something else... like "Ed."
It's great to see the Iraqi guests there with you. I wish I could have met them.
Great report RaceBannon!
Great pix, good job ~ Thanks!
Mega Taxman Bravo Zulus to DC Chapter and all who were involved in the FRee Republic Inaugural Ball!
I missed a great party, and will forever be sorry I did, I expect.
Great party, great report, great pics, All!
Great pix ~ Good job ~ Thanks!
Hey, tomkat. Long time no see.
Prairie - thought you might like this thread.
Great pix ~ Good job ~ Thanks!
Jim Robinson is my Hero, too!
Thanks for ther photos ramseye!
LOL! Well I was the poor lost FReeper who couldn't read the nametags anyway--because of the general dimness of the room and my poor eyesight. If I met anyone I hope they remind me what their screennames are!
If it was betweeen 9:30 and 11:30, that might have been me! :)
Thank your son for me,and thank-you.
Bronze Star bump
I went to a Catholic School,watch out for them rulers,be careful out there!;)
Glad you all had a great time, the pix are great.
How about nametags, the size of bumper stickers, and pasted on Freeper's backs!! I couldn't make out the names without snoozling up to their chests (I'm being polite), so I missed some who I spoke to!
What a great time I had! I didn't go to the parade or the ceremony itself, but watched the swearing-in and address on TV in the hotel. Then a few of us decorated the ballroom and diningrooms. Budget decorations but everything looked pretty and red/white/blue. The flags on the walls all had meaning, and the pictures and posters told what we were all about.
While we were working, I spoke to a hotel employee who thought we were a group from Arkansas. So I explained who we were and the Arkansas link. He was curious about FR.com. and asked some questions about us. He had a 'W' pin on his uniform, but I thought it was because he was an employee of the Washington Plaza. Later on I saw many Freepers with the same W pin --- so the guy was a Bush man!!
I spent a long time checking people in by pasting wrist tags on them, but when I was relieved, I simply circulated, hugging old friends and meeting new ones. There was one time when I simply had to get off my feet, and sat in the room outside the ballroom was. It was, of course crowded, and as I sat there, it was such a wonderful feeling to be with so many who are on my wave-length! Many, many I knew as I had Freeped with them over the years, but the others were "Strangers who were all my friends"!!
My sincere thanks to all those who carried all the planning and worries on their backs, these past weeks, setting up such a wonderful night.
And -- to Jim Rob and his wonderful family ----- we love and thank you!! You have done so much for this country with Free Republic. God bless you!!
there's only about 6. They've been coming every Wed for months. They just stand there holding a sign that says "No more war"
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