The Sanatoga Post

LOWER POTTSGROVE PA – A 1997 graduate of Pottsgrove High School was among members of the National Guard from 31 states who participated in last month’s inauguration of President Barack Obama, the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service announced Monday (Feb. 9, 2009).

Army National Guard Pfc. Adam M. Iatesta, the son of Kenneth and Jacqueline A. Iatesta of Schwenk Road, Pottstown PA, joined the largest ever contingent of National Guard members to serve in Washington DC as part of the 56th Presidential Inauguration held Jan. 20.

Iatesta is a medic in Headquarters Company, 55th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, based in Scranton PA. He has served in the military for one year. Although his assignment wasn’t specified, Army and Air National Guard members provided the inaugural with military working dogs, incidence planning, and ceremonial, logistics, and medical support, the news service said.

WASHINGTON DC – In his first official act since taking the oath of office, President Barack Obama yesterday (Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009) declared a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation and called on Americans to serve one another and the nation’s common purpose “of remaking this Nation for our new century.”

The inauguration scene Tuesday on the steps of The Capitol, and a portrait of the nation's newest, and 44th, president.

“We are in the midst of a season of trial. Our Nation is being tested, and our people know great uncertainty,” the Obama-signed proclamation said. “Yet the story of America is one of renewal in the face of adversity, reconciliation in a time of discord, and we know that there is a purpose for everything under heaven.

“On this Inauguration Day, we are reminded that we are heirs to over two centuries of American democracy, and that this legacy is not simply a birthright – it is a glorious burden. Now it falls to us to come together as a people to carry it forward once more.”

Photos from WhiteHouse.gov

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PHILADELPHIA PA – Those who have, or took, the day off to observe the presidential inauguration (lucky you!) will find company today (Jan. 20, 2009; Tuesday) in Center City Philadelphia – 37 miles southeast of Sanatoga – where the city’s Visitors and Convention Bureau expects a large crowd on Independence Mall. Two related, and free, events are scheduled there for visitors.

Outside the Independence Visitors Center at 6th and Market Streets, a giant television screen will project the inauguration for all to see from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. … without the strict Washington DC rules regarding strollers, coolers and backpacks. Visitors can enjoy stress-free viewing, the bureau claims. Bundle up, though; it’ll be cold. For those who’d rather not brave winter temperatures, the center will have an indoor screening as well. Best of all, the center offers public restrooms and refreshment stands. For more information, call 800-537-7676.

History buffs can witness the first peaceful transfer of power during a reenactment of John Adams’ presidential inauguration at 10 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. in Congress Hall, 6th and Chestnut Streets, where the second president took the oath on March 4, 1797. Seating is limited. For more information, call 215-965-2305.

The platform for the 2009 presidential inauguration is under construction in Washington DC.

LOWER POTTSGROVE PA – If you hoped to see history being made in person and wanted free tickets to Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration Jan. 20 in Washington DC, you’re too late. You not only can’t get tickets, now you can’t even get on the ticket waiting list.

Congressman Charlie Dent (R-PA 15th Dist.), who represents Sanatoga and Lower Pottsgrove Township, said Thursday (Nov. 13, 2008) it stopped taking requests for Inauguration Day swearing-in tickets due to “unprecedented” demand.

Dent’s staff began accepting constituent requests for tickets before Election Day. Orders were placed on a first-come, first-served waiting list. But being on the list, staffers cautioned, was no guarantee of seating; the number of tickets allotted to each Congressional office has not yet been publicly announced.

As of Thursday it became clear, according to Dent’s office, that no matter how many tickets are distributed the requests will far exceed supply. “Unfortunately, anyone calling … at this point would have no chance,” it said in a press release.

Tickets will be distributed to Congressional offices the week before inauguration. Those lucky enough to go must pick them up in person, with proper identification. And if you think you can buy a ticket, beware. “No Web site or other ticket outlet has tickets to sell,” Dent adds, “regardless of what they may claim.”

Photo supplied by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inauguration Ceremonies