Approximately 31 million U.S. viewers alone watched the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump on Jan. 20, according to Nielsen television ratings. During his approximately 17-minute inaugural address the president spoke of what he called a “new national pride,” that his term will bring to heal divisions in America.
“It is time to remember that old wisdom our Soldiers will never forget. That whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American flag,” Trump said.
Meanwhile, scattered along the National Mall an integrated total force of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guard members were highly visible to viewers at home and in person. Approximately 13,000 service members comprised the Joint Task Force National Capital Region (active duty and reserve) and Joint Task Force District of Columbia (National Guard).
The president’s inauguration is the largest, most publicized quadrennial event in the nation’s capital. And since 1789, members of the U.S. military have played an instrumental role.
They planned for months, and provided a wide range of support to include ceremonial duties, medical assistance, traffic control, logistics and security. Roughly 2,000 members of the National Guard alone worked in support of the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Capitol Police to support the security role.
Army Sgt. Brandon Billips, who arrived for duty on Independence Avenue at 4 a.m. at an entry control point, well before the pedestrian gates opened at 6 a.m.
“I expected the constant foot traffic because it’s an event that only happens every four years — not to mention the weather was pleasant — but our role is about force protection,” Billips said. “A mission we take seriously and support.”
Once through security, attendees encountered people like Army Spc. Jerry Anderson, a member of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) stationed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, who served as an usher and checked the credentials of attendees who witnessed the transfer of power, while either seated or standing inside the ticketed viewing area (Green Zone) on the west side of the U.S. Capitol.
“People would be surprised by the number of missions and capacities (members of The Old Guard) serve in,” Anderson said. “Serving in an inauguration is contributing to history. It’s an honorable position that not many people will be able to say they’ve done.”
Also serving as an usher was Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Lenig, who is stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and served as NCOIC of the honor guard ushers during the inauguration.
“Whether you’re watching this event on TV or here in person, you can’t miss the military presence or the show of support that the military has for the peaceful transfer of power from start to finish.”
Support for the commander-in-chief was equally highlighted during the inaugural parade, which featured musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons rendering ceremonial honors to the new president.
One of the most visible people in the parade was Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker, commander, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, who assumed one of the military’s most visible ceremonial roles — leading service members from all branches of the armed forces in formation down Pennsylvania Avenue during the first pass in review of the new president’s term, and rendering the first salute to Trump. Serving as commander of the troops was Col. Jason Garkey, the regimental commander of the 3d. U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).
The military’s salute to the president continued at the Salute to Our Armed Services Ball which was attended by military members, veterans, law enforcement and first responders. Military members stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan watched and thanked the President via satellite. Later in the night, the President and First Lady Melania Trump stayed true to military ball custom by sharing a dance with a member of the military, as did vice-President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen.
“The courage [military members, law enforcement and first responders] show is incredible,” Trump said. “It’s appreciated now, but it’s going to be appreciated more than ever before.”
Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at awright@dcmilitary.com.