As I watched our 43rd President sworn-in, I thought about the great tradition surrounding this event. For more than two hundred years, Americans have witnessed the swearing-in of their President and Vice President—from the 1789 inauguration of President George Washington in New York City to the 2005 inauguration of George W. Bush in Washington, D.C. The swearing-in ceremony of the President and the Vice President represents the continuity of leadership of our nation.
The inauguration has evolved since the first inauguration in 1789. It started as a small indoor event in which the President took the oath of office. But by the end of the 19th century, the event looked much like it does today: a day-long affair with a parade, luncheon, fireworks, and several inaugural balls.
While the ceremony has grown, the principle is still the same. Americans continue to witness the peaceful transition of power and to celebrate democracy. On January 20, 2005, Americans had this opportunity once again as they witnessed the 55th inauguration of President Bush by Chief Justice William Rehnquist.
People from all across Maine, from Portland to Van Buren, bore witness to this event. There were students from Van Buren High School, who raised more than $10,000 to make the trip; students from Bates, Bowdoin, and Saint Joseph's colleges; young "Explorers" from Southern Maine who marched in the parade; Mainers attending college in Washington, D.C.; a State Trooper; and a restaurant owner, just to name a few. I hope that viewing the swearing-in will be an experience that many of these Mainers will never forget. I know I was moved by this significant event.
I am sure the Maine "Explorers" will never forget marching in the Inaugural parade. "Explorers" are young adults in the Boy Scouts who learn about law enforcement operations hands-on. This group of young adults did Maine proud as they marched the nearly two miles from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. They were part of a select few chosen to march in the inaugural parade that was attended by an estimated more than 100,000 people.
For me, one of the best parts of the inauguration came before the swearing-in ceremony itself; it was hosting a special inauguration breakfast with Senator Olympia Snowe for our Maine constituents visiting Washington, D.C. During this event, I had the opportunity to talk to many Mainers.
I was pleased that the theme of this year's inauguration was "Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Service." It reminded us to remember and honor our hard-working troops who are in harm's way the world over. This was an appropriate tribute, because without the willing sacrifices of our military such celebrations of democracy would be impossible. We must remember, even in times of celebration, that we are a nation at war. The military has always played a visible role in inauguration ceremonies. Given the challenges faced by our soldiers as they fight the war on terrorism, it was particularly moving to see so many fine men and women in uniform.
I was honored to witness American democracy in the company of so many Americans, especially my fellow Mainers.
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