The Inauguration That Wasn’t (Outside)

    In the early 80s, my parents worked for the local and county Republican party for their candidate of choice, Congressman Richard Schweiker (and then later Senator Schweiker), of Pennsylvania’s 13^th District.  To show his thanks for their hard work on his behalf, Mom and Dad were invited to President Ronald Reagan’s 2^nd Inaugural Parade and also to a cocktail party after the parade hosted by Congressman Schweiker in the Sam Rayburn House Office Building.

    Jay and I were living in Fairfax, VA. Jay was active duty military and I was working for the Federal government.  Both of us had Inauguration Monday off as a holiday, so we were delighted to hear that my parents were coming for the weekend of inaugural events and that we would get to attend the parade – a true highlight of any Presidential Inaugural weekend.  And to be invited to a congressional cocktail party was something we never dreamed would happen.   Wow – who would we see?  Would we get to take any photos with famous people?

    And then the ultimate question: what to wear?!  Well, the forecast that weekend was sunny, but frigid.   An arctic air mass moved across the United States, setting records across the country, as far south as Florida.  As I said, it was sunny, but cold! 

    We had to dress for the cocktail party as well as the parade which meant layers.  I decided on a white wool suit,  with a black turtleneck, white leggings and black boots.  Oh, and a white hat!  Boy, did I think I looked sharp – an expression used in those days.  My husband had also layered with vest and a  corduroy jacket.  To top off my suit I was wearing a midi-length coat, while my Mom wore a full-length fur, a gift from my Dad years ago.  She finally had the opportunity to wear it for a very special occasion.  Both of us were warm – until we got out of the car. 

                                            

    You have to understand that I am NOT a hat person, but it was so cold that I had to wear something for protection.  And to mess up my hair was a sacrifice, and I knew that I wouldn’t be taking the hat off, so I agreed to wear one.   

    We had parked the car and were enroute to the cocktail party as we knew that the outdoor inaugural parade had been cancelled and moved indoors.  Due to limited seating, we were unable to attend the inaugural, so we headed to the Rayburn House Office Building.  I turned to snap a photo of my Dad and caught the local police in their winter gear.  Their caps were over their ears and they had snow boots on (see photo below).  But the best part was to come.

    Dad was rather distinguished looking and had always wanted a career in broadcasting.  He didn’t realize his dream of radio, but he did make his mark in the high school band and state band announcing fields, master of ceremonies at WWII Army Reunions, and other events.  For 25 years, he was the “voice” of the Golden Ram Marching Band at Spring-Ford Senior High School in Royersford, PA.  So when a passerby stopped him and asked him if he was “such and such anchor person” and could they have his autograph.  Dad never blinked.  He signed his own name and thanked them!  The people went away happy that they got his autograph!  Here is Dad on the corner of Independence and M Streets, Washington, DC.

                                                                            

    After this photo, we attended the cocktail party which was interesting and of course, with lots of politicians we recognized and most we didn’t.   Of course, we didn’t have cell phones to take quick photos like we have today, and the security was not as intense. Somewhere we have photos with Congressman Schweiker;  I know Mom has them in her albums.  Just to be in that city, during that time was truly amazing.   But time and time again, as Inauguration Day rolls around every four years, I pull out this photo of my Dad and see him near our great Capitol and wonder who has his autograph?