TMP Reports
Posted: Sunday, January 4, 2009 8:07 am

There’s good news for Rutherford County residents who want to attend the 56th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20 in Washington D.C.

“One big thing that people should understand is that you don’t need a ticket to attend the Inaugural Ceremony,” Rep. Bart Gordon said. “More than 250 acres of the National Mall will be open to the public where you can view and be part of the ceremony as it happens.”

All of the official tickets for Tennessee have already been allotted through a lottery.

The Official Presidential Inauguration Committee has made the National Mall from 4th Street to the Lincoln Memorial, on 23rd Street, open to the general public. Jumbo screen televisions and speakers will be placed along the Mall so that all of the attendees can witness and hear the ceremony.

“It is also important for people to be prepared for the weather, which can be very cold in January, as well as long lines due to the added security measures involved in getting on to the Mall,” Gordon added.

While the formal inaugural program begins at 11:30 a.m., the Inauguration Committee has advised attendees to arrive no later than 9 a.m. to ensure that each person can get through the security checkpoints before the program begins. Security will be extremely tight and the Inauguration Committee has stated that, if you plan to attend, you should bring nothing other than your wallet and cell phone.

“There are a number of restrictions in terms of the items you can bring,” Gordon added. “If you go to my Web site, www.bart.house.gov/inauguration, you can find more information about the prohibited items, in addition to a helpful map and Web site links with more information.”