No Result
View All Results
Reserve & National Guard
SUBSCRIBE FREE
No Result
View All Results
Reserve & National Guard
SUBSCRIBE FREE
Reserve & National Guard

LIVE UPDATES: Donald Trump inauguration

Bianca Strzalkowski
by Bianca Strzalkowski
January 19, 2017
Trump

Now it's getting real. The nation's capital is bustling with people from all over - some in support of the soon-to-be sworn in President and some against. It is truly what makes the messy process of democracy a beautiful thing, something our service members and their families know well.

Writer Bianca Strzalkowski gives a first-hand account of attending the inauguration of Donald J. Trump.

Bianca arrives in Washington

“It was a surreal moment arriving in D.C. knowing the weight of the moment that is about to happen. It isn’t a Republican moment or a Democrat moment — the partisan colored glasses are off. Like most military spouses, my life exists far from the bubble of the nation’s capital. The decisions made here greatly affect military families like mine, and yours, and I think it is imperative that we participate in the processes that have such an impact on our military households. These are the reasons I have willingly supported my husband’s career so that we can continue to revel in the freedoms of democracy.”

Trump becomes commander in chief

The crowd just erupted in cheers as President Donald Trump officially became Commander-in-Chief. Surrounded by his family, he took the oath using President Lincoln’s bible. Ladies and Gents, we have a new 45th President of these United States.

The theme of the 58th Presidential Inauguration, “Uniquely American,” recognizes the symbolic importance of today’s event. We may consider it routine, but the inaugural ceremony remains a uniquely American expression of our constitutional system. The peaceful transition between presidential administrations signals that we are united as a people behind an enduring republic.

For the inaugural ceremonies, five flags adorn the West Front of the Capitol. The flag of the United States is displayed in the center. To its immediate left and right are flags with thirteen stars representing the original colonies, including the colony of New York. The design of this flag is often attributed to Francis Hopkinson, a member of the Continental Congress. The two outer flags, popularly known as the “Betsy Ross flag,” appeared in the early 1790s.

Crowds are departing the inauguration for the inaugural parade, which features all branches of the military.

Inaugural musings

The experience has definitely been different than I thought. We had to walk two hours to get to our seats and the crowds around us booed every time a Democrat spoke or was introduced and they were saying some pretty profane stuff. Not sure if that is the norm for an inauguration, but it shocked me. Then I heard there were protesters breaking windows of businesses near the parade route. It definitely has been a mixed bag of emotions from people on display.

My lifelong bucket list included getting to see George W. Bush in person — he has long been someone I revere. Being able to see all the former presidents joking and interacting with each other gave a glimpse into the unique bond they all share.

My inauguration experience

My first inauguration experience wasn’t what I was expecting.

I have attended many change of command ceremonies full of formality and uniformity. This felt somewhat messy, almost chaotic, but not necessarily in a negative sense.

There were thousands and thousands of people on foot trying to make their way to see and hear the ceremony. It made me proud that so many — of diverse age and race — wanted to participate in the day. It was important to them, each for different reasons.

Some came with the utmost enthusiasm covered in “Make America Great Again” gear, others wore signs that said “Never My President.” While some may have interpreted this as division, I viewed it as what America is supposed to be about.

I got to see up close what an authentic free society looks like. I was able to hear for myself that yes, our country has very mixed feelings about a nation under President Trump, but I also got to hear people share their viewpoints in whatever manner they choose.

What is more American than that?

Read comments
Tags: 58th Presidential InaugurationBianca Strzalkowskiinauguration coverage
Bianca Strzalkowski

Bianca Strzalkowski

Bianca Strzalkowski has more than 10 years of experience in storytelling. Her portfolio includes interviews with former Secretary of Defense Gen. James Mattis, Air Force Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown, “Shark Tank” CEO Daymond John, and countless elected and military leaders. Bianca holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and journalism. She resides near Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, with her husband and two children. She is a member of the Military Reporters & Editors Association.

Related Posts

Task Force Rattlesnake members pulled from LA mission to battle state’s wildfires

by Maggie BenZvi
6 days ago
0
california national guard deployment los angeles

Specialized crew members from the California National Guard were rerouted last week from Los Angeles to assist the state in...

Read more

Marine Reserve plans expansive mobilization exercises to prepare for potential large-scale combat

by Maggie BenZvi
1 month ago
0
marine forces reserve training

This past April, at the Modern Day Marine Expo, Marine Forces Reserve Command announced that 2026 would be the start...

Read more

Indiana National Guard takes pride in decades-long involvement with Indy 500

by Kari Williams
2 months ago
0
indy 500

Before they were playing “Taps” and marching down pit lane, Indiana National Guard members assumed the role of “Yellow Shirts”...

Read more

Project 33, National Memorial Day Concert to honor Staff Sgt. Michael Simpson

by Katie McCarthy
2 months ago
0
staff sgt. michael simpson, memorial day

Army Staff Sgt. Michael "Mike" Simpson defied expectations. While the U.S. Army Green Berets are known as "quiet professionals," Mike...

Read more

Tennessee Guardsmen named 2025 USO National Guard Members of the Year

by Maggie BenZvi
2 months ago
0
2025 USO Nation Guard Members of the Year

On the morning of Sept. 27, 2024, Spc. Brandon Moore of the Tennessee National Guard grabbed the go-bag his father...

Read more

Affordable, light, autonomous: Modern Day Marine 2025 positions the Corps for the next fight

by Jenna Biter
2 months ago
0
modern day marine

WASHINGTON — The Marine Corps’ highest-ranking officer closed Modern Day Marine 2025 by asking industry for technologies that keep Marines...

Read more

Let's get social

The RNG Drill

News delivered directly to your inbox

Let's connect!

ABOUT US

  • OUR STORY
  • OUR TEAM
  • OUR WRITERS

MAGAZINE

  • GET PRINT
  • GET DIGITAL
  • GET THE NEWSLETTER

ADVERTISE

  • GET OUR MEDIA KIT
  • CFC/NONPROFITS

SUBMISSIONS

  • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
  • PITCH US

Never miss out on the latest stories.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

© 2023 Reserve & National Guard by U.S. Military Publishing. Privacy Policy | Terms | Site by Swiss Commerce

Thank you for your interest in The Reserve & National Guard Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in The Reserve & National Guard Magazine!

No Result
View All Results
  • NEWS
  • YOUR CAREER
    • UNIT TRAINING
    • DEPLOYMENT
    • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    • RECRUITING & RETENTION
    • ENTREPRENEUR
    • TRANSITION
  • EDUCATION
  • MILITARY LIFE
    • MILITARY SPOUSES
    • MILITARY KIDS
    • PARENTING
  • OFF DUTY
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • TRAVEL
  • HEALTH
    • FITNESS
    • MEDICINE
    • MENTAL HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • OPINION
  • HISTORY
  • MONEY
    • PERSONAL FINANCE
    • BENEFITS
  • GET THE MAGAZINE
    • PRINT MAGAZINES
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINES
    • GET THE NEWSLETTER
  • ABOUT US
    • MEET OUR TEAM
    • OUR AUTHORS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
    • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
    • PITCH US
    • CONTACT

© 2024 Reserve & National Guard by U.S. Military Publishing. Site by SCBW

No Result
View All Results
  • NEWS
  • YOUR CAREER
    • UNIT TRAINING
    • DEPLOYMENT
    • PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
    • RECRUITING & RETENTION
    • ENTREPRENEUR
    • TRANSITION
  • EDUCATION
  • MILITARY LIFE
    • MILITARY SPOUSES
    • MILITARY KIDS
    • PARENTING
  • OFF DUTY
    • ENTERTAINMENT
    • TRAVEL
  • HEALTH
    • FITNESS
    • MEDICINE
    • MENTAL HEALTH
  • SPORTS
  • OPINION
  • HISTORY
  • MONEY
    • PERSONAL FINANCE
    • BENEFITS
  • GET THE MAGAZINE
    • PRINT MAGAZINES
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINES
    • GET THE NEWSLETTER
  • ABOUT US
    • MEET OUR TEAM
    • OUR AUTHORS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
    • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
    • PITCH US
    • CONTACT

© 2024 Reserve & National Guard by U.S. Military Publishing. Site by SCBW