PRESIDENT REAGAN’S INAUGURATION

by Jim Stamp on January 30, 2022.

We were invited to attend President Reagan’s inauguration,
January 20, 1985. We went!

The actual inauguration was held privately on Sunday to comply
with the law. The public ceremony was scheduled for Monday
the 21st. It was bitterly cold so the parade was cancelled. Below
our hotel window we watched the dog sleds line up before the
parade was actually cancelled.

In the lobby of the Convention Center, we were approached by
Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse on the TV show, the Dukes of Hazzard)

Actor Denver Pyle was surprised to see teenagers at the
Inauguration festivities. So, he asked if he could have
his picture taken with Eric, Shawn and Heather… Well, SURE!

This is a cake….WOW. AWESOME.

Another pastry with a chocolate Elephant on top – Republican Symbol

On January 19th we attened the Inagural Gala at the Washington,
DC Convention Center. Frank Sinatra was the Master of
Ceremonies for the Gala. Shawn, Eric and I wore tuxedos
and Heather and Margaret wore long dresses. I am almost
100% sure that Shawn, Heather, and Eric were the only
teenagers at the Inaguration.

AT the Gala we sat behind Tom Selleck which was a thrill for
Heather. On stage, we watched Donna Summer, Lou Rawls, the
Beach Boys, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Crystal Gayle, Larry
Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Rich Little, Mac Davis and Don Rickles.

President Reagan’s Remarks at end of Inaugural Gala with Nancy
Reagan, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlton Heston, Frank
Sinatra, Jill St. John, Tom Selleck, Jimmy Stewart, Ray Charles,
Merv Griffin, Micheal Landon, Mac Davis, Don Rickles at the
Washington, DC Convention Center.

From the Convention Center we went to the DC Armory which
was our designated location for the Inaugural Ball. There were
several loactions to accomodate all the people.

    President and Nancy Reagan at the Inaugural Ball at the DC Armory