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

The inauguration recap

Bianca Strzalkowski
by Bianca Strzalkowski
March 13, 2017
Inauguration

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 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?

Inauguration1

The National Mall was full of spectators witnessing a peaceful transfer of power. I was seated to the right of the platform, and while my visibility was hindered, it was an incredible moment for me to hear in person the oath of our nation’s highest office at the inauguration.

Inauguration2

Enthusiasm was in the air at the Welcome Concert, which took place at the Lincoln Memorial. There were diverse groups of people there to support President Trump and enjoy performances by Lee Greenwood, Sam Moore, and 3 Doors Down.

Inauguration3

Because of extensive road closures in D.C. for security purposes, my friend and fellow military spouse Angela and I had to walk two hours to get to the inauguration ceremony. But we were thrilled to share the same fashion sense with President George W. Bush, who also famously wore a poncho that day.

The first place I headed after getting to D.C. was the Capitol. I wanted to see with my own eyes what the setup for a new president looks like. The choir was practicing in the background and people were gathered around all sides to get a glimpse of the ceremony platform.

Inauguration4

Total fangirl moment! While walking around D.C., the TODAY Show’s Matt Lauer and Al Roker were walking ahead of me! Growing up in N.J., they both were a staple of my morning routine.

The national divide was on full display throughout the streets. There were Trump supporters donning “Make America Great Again” gear, while signs were posted everywhere looking for volunteers to join the anti-Trump marches. Even though this could be perceived as national strife, I viewed it more as a beautiful representation of democracy on display.

Inauguration5

One of my favorite D.C. spots, the Newseum — a museum dedicated to the work of journalists around the world — had two messages on its exterior: one welcoming the 45th president and the other featuring words from the First Amendment. There is much concern among reporters about how the new administration will interact with our country’s media.

Read comments
Tags: 2017 InaugurationBianca StrzalkowskiD.C.President Donald TrumpWashington
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

Redesigned Ram’s Head Device now authorized service-wide

by Joshua Skovlund
1 week ago
0
ram's head device, vermont national guard, army mountain warfare school

The Army’s Mountaineer badge, better known as the Ram’s Head Device, has been around for decades. However, only those assigned...

Read more

The fall of Saigon: How a young boy fled Vietnam and became a US Marine

by Jenna Biter
1 week ago
0
fall of saigon

Nine days before North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon on April 30, 1975, a 10-year-old boy and his family fled the...

Read more

Massachusetts guard officer shows perseverance in 7th Boston Marathon

by Maggie BenZvi
2 weeks ago
0
boston marathon uniform division

On mile 20, Capt. Kanwar Singh got a cramp. It was the seventh time Singh, the battalion signal officer for...

Read more

How the National Guard is evolving the mission at US southern border 

by Lucretia Cunningham
2 weeks ago
0
southern border

In direct response to recent executive orders, the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), or the combatant command and operational lead for...

Read more

Modern Day Marine military expo returns to Washington

by Jenna Biter
3 weeks ago
0
modern day marine

The annual Modern Day Marine expo will once again take over the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, Tues., April...

Read more

Wyoming National Guard aviation ranks among top in national readiness

by U.S. Military Publishing, LLC
4 weeks ago
0
Wyoming National Guard aviation

CHEYENNE, WYOMING -- The Wyoming Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility achieved the second-highest operational readiness ranking for the...

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.

© 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