Clinton's Second Inauguration, Jan. 21st, 1997, Emily Wolkowicz
From MemoryArchive
Who: Emily Wolkowicz What: Bill Clinton's Second Inaguration When: Jan. 21st, 1997 Where: Washington DC.
I was 13 years old and it was my firt trip to Washington D.C. I specifically remember not walking through a metal dector despite the presence of many armed guards.
At the actual swearing in ceremony there were about 250,000 people. They had been gathering on the National Mall since 7am that morning. There was lots of diversity in the crowd, especially in comparison to either of George W Bush's inagurations. ALso people from many nations were represented. I remember a large crowd with an Italian flag. This is phenominal considering how cold it was.
Chief Justice Rehnquist administered the oath just as the anti-abortion protesters begain getting into a "scuffle" with the police. This resulted in many arrests and the destruction of the protesters graphic signs. I was relieved to hear the 21 gun-salute.
The mood was elated following Clinton's address and the sun finally came out. Clinton's speech outlined his vision for america, including my personal favorite pasage:
"Fellow citizens, let us build that America, a nation ever moving forward toward realizing the full potential of all its citizens. Prosperity and power -- yes, they are important, and we must maintain them. But let us never forget: The greatest progress we have made, and the greatest progress we have yet to make, is in the human heart. In the end, all the world's wealth and a thousand armies are no match for the strength and decency of the human spirit."
click here for the entire speech.
The Gala folling the innaguration was exclusive and limited to invitation only. Whoppi Goldberg and Barishnikov were at the top of the list. President Clinton had a huge smile on his face all night. I could see him beaming through my binoculars as Barishnikov waltzed.
Of course there were many balls to celebrate. I was at the Arkansas dance. Clinton played his sax and Chelsea walked in crouching in a group of her friends. Later she emerged to dance with her father. The highlight of the night was that someone had misplaced all of the coat check tickets. There was a riot at the coat check as it was sorted out by 3am.
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