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.
Sorry, I don't know them.
did anyone here figure out who GOLD DRESS GIRL was?
Marking...
Inaugural Parade & W2 Ball Report, Audio, and Photos (large file warning)
January 23, 2005 | BillF
Posted on 01/23/2005 2:43:27 PM PST by BillF
SKUNKS AND BLUE BRACELETS AT CHECKPOINT CHARLIE
The 7th Street security checkpoint ("Checkpoint Charlie") for the inaugural parade was closest to the American Sector established by the DC Chapter of Free Republic. Waiting there, I coincidentally ended up near DC Chapter member, bmwcyle, and Flora McDonald, a Richmond-area FReeper of long-standing. As we waited in the crowd (it wasn't orderly enough to be a line), pro-Bush people mostly tried to stay quiet in the face of some leftists (maybe ten percent of the crowd) occasionally and individually shouting anti-Bush or anti-war slogans. However, numerous Bush supporters and people who just came to watch a parade would shout back every now and then.
On one occasion the crowd started singing God Bless America. The song's title has three words, each word representing a concept antithetical to many of the leftists.
I told one leftist waiting in the security line near me to "swim to Cuba, free healthcare, free education," much to the amusement of most nearby people.
Thanks so much for the pic. I have never seen one of John before. It is irritating that he has more hair then me. John, you look a bit like Newt. :)
I forgot to ping you.
He sure did look like Chuck Norris. Anyway...I wish I had talked to you at teh ball. You always have interesting posts.
Forgot to mention - sorry for your luck.
"Al Franken smiling on the Free Republic."
Yes, that's a tremendous shot!
Yeah. . .sorry I missed you. . .maybe next time?
I had seen your great pics 0n 166 and wondered(miff miff) why I had not got the jenjpegping.
Did you dance with the guy what brung ya ?
Go get 'em. The first one's always the hardest. Look forward to your after action report.
Sorry, LJ for not pinging you when I first posted those pix. My brain is still recuperating. ;-)
Yes, I danced with the guy what brung me - and a couple other FReeper party animals (Hi DC! Hi Jerry!). We had a blast! Why were you not there????
bookmark
bttt
Ping! Oooooops! I've been pinging "JRSmith" instead of you! See post #166 for a good pix of Mrs jayrsmith.
We had a blast with all our old and new FRiends! Got some good pix of the inauguration and parade. FReepmail me your email address and I'll send them to you. {{{hugs}}}
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