WASHINGTON, Feb. 06, 2013 - - Federal, state, and local interagency mission partners were thanked for their interagency teamwork during the 57th Presidential Inauguration by the commanding general of U.S. Northern Command (Northcom), Gen. Charles H. Jacoby, Jr.
Jacoby attended a working luncheon at Fort McNair during his visit to the Nation's Capital this week, and encouraged attendees to continue their close working relationship with the Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR) commanded by Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington and to personally thank the various security agency leaders for all they do in the defense and security of the nation. Jacoby also highlighted the consistent vigilance displayed by security forces in the NCR, that defend against numerous and continuous threats to national security.
As part of the Department of Defense (DoD) preparations for the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Northcom was assigned the broad mission of providing military ceremonial and civil support missions to the lead federal agency. Northcom delegated that authority to Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), also commanded by Linnington. However, unlike previous years, there was no Armed Forces Inaugural Committee to mange this task and as a result of lessons learned from previous inaugurations the JTF-NCR assumed these duties much as it does for other nationally significant events in the Nation's Capital.
At a press conference prior to the inauguration, Linnington said the 2013 Presidential Inauguration represented the strength of the nation and the strength of its democracy and that the Inauguration Day Parade was the largest, most complicated event that takes place in the Nation's Capital. "The role of the military in this event is one of support," said Linnington. "We are here to support the Presidential Inauguration Committee and the other civilian agencies."
The U.S. Armed Forces have participated in the inauguration of the President of the United States since April 30, 1789, when members of the U.S. Army, local militia units and Revolutionary War veterans escorted George Washington to his first inauguration ceremony at Federal Hall in New York City.
More than 220 years later, the participation of the armed forces continues as a way to honor the Commander In Chief, recognize civilian control of the armed forces and celebrate democracy.
JTF-NCR brought more than 300 military personnel in support of the inaugural planning process, with approximately 5,000 additional service members for inauguration day.
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