Attending the Presidential Inaugural by Sinan Kanatsiz

“Celebrating Freedom and Honoring Service” was the theme for this year’s 55th Inaugural Celebration. It was an exciting time to be at our nation’s capital as we celebrated the second inauguration of our 43rd President, George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. It was a Republican’s haven of red, white and blue celebrations and weeklong festivities. I had the unique opportunity to experience and attend some special venues, meet and mingle with distinguished dignitaries, world leaders and elected officials.

Congressman Ed Royce’s office packaged a special inaugural trip for those who wanted to join him in celebrating this historic occasion. Some New Majority members and I attended an event co-hosted by Congressman Chris Cox and Royce on the floor of the House of Representatives and heard from distinguished speakers including Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao, newly elected Senator, John Thune (R-South Dakota) and former speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan, Peggy Noonan. Special presentations by John O’Neil, Chairman, of the Swift Boat Veterans, and Carlton Sherwood, creator of the movie, Stolen Honor, were also coordinated.

It was a busy and frosty night on the eve of the inauguration. Many of us joined Congressman Royce for two pre-inaugural receptions; the first was at the Indian Embassy where we were greeted by Political Minister and Acting Deputy Chief of the Mission, Mr. Ashok Sajjanhar. Our second stop included a reception at the Ghanaian Embassy hosted by Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S., His Excellency Ambassador Fritz Kwabena Poku. Native Ghanaian drums and music filled the Embassy’s halls as guests entered the doors. I concluded the evening with a private reception and social with Vice Chairman of the California Republican Party, Mario Rodriguez and distinguished guests.

The ultimate highlight of this trip was the opportunity to attend and witness President Bush taking the oath of office on the steps of the Capital in front of a crowd of over 250,000. Standing on the Capital’s snow covered lawn in 20-degree weather could not be more exhilarating or memorable! Following the formal Inauguration, 500,000 people lined the streets of Pennsylvania Avenue for the parade, despite the peace protesting and heavy security surrounding the streets and blocked off areas. To conclude the Inaugural celebration I attended the Center for Democracy Ball, where the President and First Lady made a brief stop and thanked the attendees for their support. I also was in the company of other special guests and leaders, including former U.S. Ambassador of Spain, George L. Argyros.

It was an exciting and unforgettable week in Washington D.C. and I know we are in for another exciting and unforgettable four years as our party leads this country!

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Sinan Kanatsiz
Chairman & CEO
K-COMM, Inc.