Deep Freeze but a New Day in Washington, D.C.
By Edgar B. Anderson
Latvian Newspaper LAIKS, February 8-14, 2025, Volume LXXV, Nr. 6 (6182)
Latvian Newspaper LAIKS was granted press credentials from the U.S. Congress to the 60th Presidential Inauguration. As reporter for LAIKS I arrived at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 17, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., and collected the precious Media Pass and a ticket to press seating for the impending Swearing-In Ceremonies (as I was similarly given for the 58th Inauguration in 2017). Unfortunately, at 7 p.m. that same day I received an email informing me that the credential was cancelled. Due to the frigid temperatures in Washington, D.C., the Swearing-In Ceremonies were to be moved inside to the Capitol Rotunda, and only a small contingent of pool reporters would be permitted.
Hence a change of plans: Prior to flying to Washington I had contacted a number of acquaintances whom I expected would be participating in some way at the Inauguration. My family (including my Latvian mother) had met Richard Nixon and his family 60 years ago in Los Angeles. Over the subsequent years I occasionally crossed paths with Edward F. Cox, daughter Tricia Nixon’s lawyer husband. Thanks to Ed Cox, the head of the New York State Republican Party, I received an invitation to attend an Inauguration Watch Party at The Capital Grille on Pennsylvania Avenue. The NY GOP had taken over the entire restaurant for the day with big screen TVs and hearty food and drink provided.
Inside The Capital Grille the mood was joyful and celebratory as the New Yorkers and their friends watched the Inaugural proceedings on television. There were some tears at the more emotional moments for Donald Trump supporters who had witnessed years of political attacks, legal actions, media demonization, and even assassination attempts against their candidate. Notable images on the TV screen included Usha Vance, smiling with pride, as her husband took the oath of office of Vice President with their small children at her side. President Trump gave a forceful speech that covered the issues that had propelled his campaign and set out an ambitious agenda for his second term. Sitting nearby President Trump were President Biden and Vice President Harris, along with former Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Obama, a remarkable sight in view of the bitter divisions and harsh rhetoric that had characterized the 2024 campaign.
In addition to the swearing-in of the new President and Vice President, a special highlight of the Ceremonies was the patriotic music. Opera tenor Christopher D. Macchio opened with Oh, America! and concluded with The Star-Spangled Banner. The U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club marched into the Rotunda singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Most memorable was country star Carrie Underwood who more than rose to the occasion when her musical accompaniment failed, and she asked those in attendance to join her as she sang America the Beautiful a cappella. The 60th Inaugural Ceremonies can be viewed in full on both C-Span and YouTube.
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