Wednesday, January 14, 2009

INAUGURATION DAY TO BE A LOGISITCAL NIGHTMARE: Even members of Congress will go through hoops just getting to the ceremony.


*Fox411's Roger Friedman has posted a memo sent to his column on Monday regarding logistics and security for the Obama Inauguration. Here it is – in its entirety:

RE: Logistics and Security for the Presidential Inauguration

All gates for the entrance to the Swearing-In Ceremony will open at 8 a.m.
All Swearing-In Tickets will be color-coded. Ticket-holders must enter through the coordinating color entrance for access to their standing/sitting area. EVERYONE will need to go through a line.
Your House ID will NOT grant you access to the U.S. Capitol. It will be closed to everyone but Members wearing their pins and spouses wearing their pins. Members and their Spouses will be requested to enter the Capitol through the Rayburn or Cannon Tunnels or by the South doors of the Capitol.
Again, it was emphasized that they wear their pins for entry.
The music will start at 9:45 a.m.
10:00 a.m. Members will assemble in the House Chamber.
10:20 a.m. Members will depart the House Chamber for the Platform.
10:30 a.m. Members will arrive at the Platform.
10:00 a.m. Spouses will assemble at H-324 of the Capitol.
10:15 a.m. Spouses will be escorted to the seated section FOUR on the lawn.
An Inaugural Lunch will be served for members and spouses only.
A Charter Bus will transport members and spouses to the parade after the Swearing-In. NO ONE ELSE CAN RIDE THE SHUTTLE.
All major roadways may close early on January 19. They are still formalizing these plans.
The following entrances for driving into the Capitol Compound will be open for Members and Congressional Staff with ID to park their autos (if they normally drive and park): Second and C Streets, SE; First and D Streets, SE, New Jersey and D Streets, SE.
People with disabilities will be allowed special access at South Capitol Street and E and North Capitol Street and E. Their requests must be made ahead of time by calling 202-224-4048.
The US Capitol will be closed to tours from 5:00pm on Saturday, 17 January until 9:00am on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. As you can imagine, Wednesday, January 21 will be very crowded in the US Capitol, so please plan accordingly.
All the regional balls will have staggered start times and the times below are when the doors open:
5 p.m. Home States Ball (HI/IL & DE/PA) at Washington Convention Center
5 p.m. Mid-Atlantic Ball at Washington Convention Center
5 p.m. Mid-West Ball at Washington Convention Center
5 p.m. Western Ball at Washington Convention Center
6 p.m. Military Ball for all service/military both reserved and active duty at the National Building Museum
7 p.m. Youth Ball at the Washington Hilton for those who are 18 to 35 years old
8 p.m. Eastern Ball at Union Station
8 p.m. Southern Ball at the Armory
There will be a National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral at 11:30 a.m.

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