The United States will swear in a new president on Jan. 20.
President-elect Donald J. Trump will be the 45th president of the United States, but this will be the 58th inauguration. Both the president-elect, as well as the vice president-elect will take the oath of office, which includes the words, "… will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." The chief justice of the Supreme Court typically administers this oath.
According to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, these events will be held on Inauguration Day:
•A worship service
•A procession to the Capitol
•The vice president’s swearing-in ceremony
•The president's swearing-in ceremony
•The inaugural address
•Departure of outgoing President Barack Obama
•A U.S. Congress inaugural luncheon
•An inaugural parade
•An inaugural ball
Although we are far from the activities in Washington D.C., there will also be inaugural activities here in Okaloosa County.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5450 and co-host Thomas Wilken will present a gathering to watch the inauguration 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at 2420 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview. Food and drink will be available for purchase and the public is welcome to attend and join the fun.
An inaugural luncheon is also scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 20 at Clemenza's in Uptown Station, 75 Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach. Reservations are required for this buffet luncheon. The cost is $15 per person. Call 243-0707 to RSVP.
State Committeewoman Sandra Atkinson has organized two gatherings in the Oyster Shanty Bar at AJ's. The first one is to watch the inauguration ceremonies and the second one includes a live band. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Jan. 20 at 108 Santa Rosa Blvd., Okaloosa Island. There is a cover charge of $8 for each event. Food and drinks will be available to order.
You can also have your own gala at home. Invite friends over to watch the inauguration and have food and drinks while you enjoy the festivities.
Use the inaugural activities to teach your children or grandchildren about the United States Constitution, the election process, our representative form of government, the three branches of government and the separation of powers.
This is a historic day and a good teaching experience.
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 9 things to expect on Inauguration Day