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President-elect Obama Hosts Commander-in-Chief’s Ball

by Pythiian1 | January 2, 2009 at 10:49 pm

2483 views | 27 Recommendations | 4 comments

The countdown for the Presidential Inauguration has begun around the nation at the start of 2009. The Obamas have returned from Hawai'i to Chicago on Jan.1 to prepare for their move to Washington DC over the Jan.3rd weekend.

On Jan. 1, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC2009) has announced that President-elect Barack Obama will continue the tradition started in 2005 by President George W. Bush, by hosting the Commander-in-Chief’s Inaugural ball to honor the country’s active duty and reserve military. Other invited guests will include wounded warriors, Purple Heart recipients, families of fallen heroes, and spouses of deployed military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This decision also complements one of the future First Lady Michelle Obama's interests, who is poised to make veterans' affairs her top priority. In recent interviews with major media outlets, from 60 Minutes to Glamour Magazine, Mrs. Obama has hinted that she hopes to use her access and power to improve the state of affairs for military families and veterans.

“It is a privilege to honor our men and women in uniform during our inaugural festivities by continuing the tradition of the Commander in Chief’s Ball,“ said President-Elect Obama.

“Our troops represent the best America has to offer, and without their dedication and sacrifice we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we are coming together to celebrate on January 20th. They deserve our thanks and our gratitude. Michelle and I look forward to attending the Commander in Chief’s Ball and sharing this special evening with representatives of our armed forces.“

The ball will be held at the National Building Museum on Jan. 20 evening , following President-Elect Obama’s swearing-in ceremony.

For military personnel, contact the the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC) for free tickets. This event is not open to the general public outside of the military services.

Other Inauguration-related articles by this writer:

External Resource:

The National Building Museum

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Paschen

at 04:06 on January 3rd, 2009

Nice introduction and very well rounded up post. Well Good luck to Obama then.

Pythiian1

at 17:30 on January 4th, 2009

Thank you Mr. Paschen for your recommendation and comment.

I think most people inside and outside America have been unfairly impatient with Mr. Obama since he has won the election, but there is a peaceful and procedural transition of presidential power, which will occur on January 20, 2009 when Americans celebrate the Inauguration of our 44th President of the United States.

05grunt (not verified)

at 18:15 on January 11th, 2009

I am a wounded soldier, how do I get tickets to the Commander In Chief's ball?

Pythiian1

at 16:06 on January 15th, 2009

05grunt:

I'd suggest that you go to the PIC2009.org and send them an email from the site as soon as you can. When I did the article, I was told that officials were still deciding how to distribute the tickets.

I also think you need to contact the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC).

I would like to thank you for your service and I am sorry that you were wounded.