If you're anything like me, you've probably never event given a thought as to attend a presidential inauguration. But because history is being made, people are coming from all over the world for this event! It's going to be a mad house, and I am in the midst of it!
Organizers realize there won't be room for everyone in the capital and are making plans to do something to help ease the pain of attending. Here's an update from one of my fellow producers at Chicago Access Television!
NATIONAL MALL WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON INAUGURATION DAY
WASHINGTON, DC - December 4, 2008 - In keeping with its pledge to make the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama
one of the most open and accessible in history, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced today that, for the
first time, the entire length of the National Mall will be opened to the public so that more people than ever before will be able
to witness the swearing-in of the President from a vantage point in sight of the Capitol.
The PIC has worked closely with officials from the District of Columbia government, the National Park Service, the Armed Forces
Inaugural Committee (AFIC), and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) to make space at
this historic location available to members of the public who are unable to obtain tickets to the swearing-in. Those who come
to witness the swearing-in on the Mall will be able to watch and listen to the ceremony on large screens that will be provided
by the PIC along the Mall.
"We're grateful to local, federal, and military officials for their efforts to open up the National Mall to Americans who want to
participate in this historic occasion," said PIC Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "These arrangements represent our
committee's continuing commitment to make next year's historic inauguration as accessible as possible to citizens in
Washington, D.C., and across the country."
"This will be an Inauguration for all Americans," said Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. "And so we are dedicated to
opening it up so that people from across the country can gather together in America's front yard. We remain hard at work to
ensure the day's festivities are safe and accessible for visitors, residents, and businesses alike."
In the past, the National Mall has been used as a staging area for participants in the inaugural parade. But in response to early
indications that more Americans than usual may travel to Washington to join in celebration of our shared values and common
purpose, officials have worked tirelessly in recent weeks to relocate the parade staging area. Inaugural parade participants
will be announced next week.
In the coming days and weeks, the PIC will release further information about viewing the inauguration from the National Mall
and other inaugural events.
For updates, please visit our website at www.pic2009.org.
Bruce Montgomery
Executive Producer & Host
Technology Access Television
P.S. THANKS Bruce! You're always on top of what we need to know!
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