WASHINGTON (Sept. 20, 2012) -- Commander, Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region and members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies gathered at the Capitol to kick off the inaugural season with the "First Nail" ceremony.
The ceremony marked a time-honored tradition and the official launch of construction of the inaugural platform where the president of the United States will take the oath of office on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.
"It's a tremendous honor to be part of this historic event," said Stephen T. Ayers, Architect of the Capitol. "The AOC's involvement dates back to the 1860s when the Presidential Inauguration began to involve more public participation."
When completed, the platform will hold more than 1,600 people including members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, cabinet members and nominees, justices of the Supreme Court, former presidents, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, governors, the diplomatic corps and the president-elect, vice president-elect and their families.
Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, JFHQ-NCR commander, described his excitement about his command's support of the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
"We're excited for the opportunity again to join as a joint task force and take on the responsibilities for conducting all of the DOD ceremonies and support to the president-elect and his committee that directs us," commented Linnington.
The Joint Task Force - National Capital Region, commanded by Linnington as well, will assume all responsibilities previously executed by the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee. The task force is comprised of members from all branches of service - active duty, National Guard and reserve.
JTF-NCR will provide cooperative support to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, the JCCIC and other governmental agencies to plan and execute DoD support to official presidential events and ceremonies scheduled during the inaugural period held Jan. 15-24, 2013.
Linnington said today's ceremony brings the realization that the Inauguration is quickly approaching.
"We've been going through months of planning and now driving in the first nail of the construction on the first platform, we know that we're on final approach of what promises to be a really exciting time," articulated Linnington, "not just for us but for our country."
During the ceremony, the JCCIC also honored two former Marines, Mark Gajewski, from Detroit, Mich., and Michael Berlingo, from Westchester, N.Y., involved with the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. During the ceremony relics of the attack were displayed: a construction helmet used by Gajewski, a volunteer with relief efforts immediately after the attack, and a hammer used by Berlingo, a carpenter on Tower 1 of the World Trade Center.
JCCIC Chairman Sen. Charles E. Schumer stated it was important to honor the Marines. He commented that the helmet and hammer symbolized both sacrifice and ability of Americans to rise above adversity to accomplish great things.
"They symbolize the sacrifice that our people are willing to make for freedom, and freedom is personified by the peaceful passing of the torch, which we do at inauguration," said Schumer.
The Inaugural platform is rebuilt every four years. The 2013 design boasts a stage of more than 10,000 square feet, the same size as the largest platform ever previously built.
"Every four years, the Capitol is the home to a beautiful celebration of our democracy: the inauguration of the President of the United States," stated House Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who was one of six JCCIC members that hammered in nails at the ceremony.
"With the First Nail Ceremony, we begin to ready the Capitol for a ceremony that will honor our Constitution, respect the decision of the American people, and renew our patriotism: the 57th swearing-in of the President of the United States," she said.
Social Sharing