Washington, D.C. -— After receiving almost 1,000 requests since Election Day for tickets to the Presidential Inauguration Swearing-In Ceremony, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) asked the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies yesterday to provide additional opportunities for North Carolinians to participate in the ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
“Throughout the 2008 presidential campaign, more Americans were involved in and excited by our political process than ever before. Since the historic election of Senator Barack Obama on November 4, 2008, North Carolinians from the Second Congressional District have shown an overwhelming and unprecedented interest in attending the 56th Inaugural Swearing-In Ceremony on January 20, 2009,” said Etheridge.
“While Members of the 111th Congress are given a very limited number of free tickets to distribute, these tickets will not be enough to satisfy even a small portion of the enormous demand. Given these limitations, Americans who wish to come to Washington, D.C., for the Inauguration should be given additional opportunities to be a part of the 56th Inaugural Swearing-In ceremony and events surrounding it.”
Etheridge sent a letter to the committee today asking it to provide additional accommodations to view the swearing-in ceremony for North Carolinians unable to secure a ticket to the swearing-in ceremony. Specifically, Etheridge asked the committee to put technology such as speakers and video screens on the National Mall so that those without tickets can watch the ceremony from there. Etheridge also asked the committee to consider setting up alternate venues, such as the Verizon Center, Nationals Stadium and local colleges and universities, where Americans can watch the swearing-in ceremony live.
Residents of North Carolina’s Second Congressional District who would like to request tickets to the official ceremony should visit Etheridge’s Web site.