Inauguration weekend is always marked by a party atmosphere in the District of Columbia, and the celebration of the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama’s second term was no exception. Washington, DC prepared for the public inauguration on January 21, 2013 with festivities from every organization and walk of life, but the extravagant inaugural balls in the President’s honor hosted by different state societies were the highlight. All the events culminated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—the day President Obama would, once again, swear his oath of office.
Sister Cities International Inaugural Gala
Sister Cities International holds the distinct honor of having the President of the United States serving as its Honorary Chairperson. It was very fitting indeed that the first-ever Sister Cities International Inaugural Gala, honoring the tradition of Presidential support since its founding in 1956, kicked-off the 2013 Presidential Inaugural celebrations in Washington, DC.
The evening started early with an exclusive VIP reception, setting an upbeat mood. Visiting dignitaries from around the world, mayors from across the United States, and the diplomatic community joined Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray, European Union Ambassador João Vale de Almeida as they mingled with members of the corporate world over cocktails.
The Gala was officially kicked off by the President’s own U.S. Marine Band. Their powerful performance included a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the Air Force Color Guard presented the colors.
The Inaugural Gala Host Committee then welcomed the guests. VIPs were joined by citizen diplomats and community leaders showcasing the thriving sister city network. After an enthusiastic address by Mayor Gray and Ambassador Almeida, the Mood Swings Big Band started belting out smash hits that got the crowd grooving on the dance floor.
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17) then addressed the guests. He praised the network’s citizen diplomats calling them “Some of the most giving people I've met.”
Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball
On the 19th of January the Texan Society of Washington, DC hosted the Black Tie and Boots Ball in National Harbor, Maryland. VIPs walked the red carpet under the salute of the Naval Academy cadets, while guests were greeted by the University of Texas-Pan American mariachi band. Notable guests included Representative Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Miss Texas USA Ali Nugent, and actor Jamie Foxx.
After the grand entrance, the attendees could choose between four different ballrooms featuring different country music stars and a state fair. Merchandise presented at the fair included furs, boots, and Texan barbeque.
Senator John Cornyn in a speech thanked all those who came, and took care to especially thank the veterans that attended the event. Senator Cornyn also reiterated the significance of Texas state pride and congratulated Obama for his second term. Following the Senator’s speech, as part of the Crown Foundation, Miss Texas USA Ali Nugent presented a few veterans with newly remodeled homes to thank them for their service and sacrifice.
Pennsylvania State Society Inaugural Ball
On Sunday, January 20th, the Pennsylvania Society of Washington, DC hosted their inaugural ball at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC. Guests arrived in black tie, as President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama met with VIP guests, including Queen Latifah, in a separate welcome reception that took place before the ball.
The evening commenced with the national anthem, and included performances by Mark Rivera, Tony Tino, and Christine Ohlman. While the entertainment rolled on, a variety of oriental food and desserts bordered the wide, open ballroom area. Guests danced the night away on the ballroom floor while a silent auction took place just outside the ballroom doors, where guests vied for signed sports gear from some of Pennsylvania’s finest sports teams along with many other prizes.
Among the ball’s attendees were former Governor Ed Rendell, Congressman Rick Nolan, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, and several other members of the congressional delegation. These legislative officials joined in with the other guests, and danced until the closing of the festivities at midnight. Senator Bob Casey joined the festivities late, at nearly 10:30 PM; he was delayed by the traffic all DC citizens experienced on inauguration weekend.
This article, with additional photos, was published in the Diplomatic Courier's March/April 2013 print edition.
a global affairs media network
States Celebrate President Obama’s Second Term with Inaugural Balls
February 15, 2013
Inauguration weekend is always marked by a party atmosphere in the District of Columbia, and the celebration of the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama’s second term was no exception. Washington, DC prepared for the public inauguration on January 21, 2013 with festivities from every organization and walk of life, but the extravagant inaugural balls in the President’s honor hosted by different state societies were the highlight. All the events culminated on Martin Luther King Jr. Day—the day President Obama would, once again, swear his oath of office.
Sister Cities International Inaugural Gala
Sister Cities International holds the distinct honor of having the President of the United States serving as its Honorary Chairperson. It was very fitting indeed that the first-ever Sister Cities International Inaugural Gala, honoring the tradition of Presidential support since its founding in 1956, kicked-off the 2013 Presidential Inaugural celebrations in Washington, DC.
The evening started early with an exclusive VIP reception, setting an upbeat mood. Visiting dignitaries from around the world, mayors from across the United States, and the diplomatic community joined Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray, European Union Ambassador João Vale de Almeida as they mingled with members of the corporate world over cocktails.
The Gala was officially kicked off by the President’s own U.S. Marine Band. Their powerful performance included a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the Air Force Color Guard presented the colors.
The Inaugural Gala Host Committee then welcomed the guests. VIPs were joined by citizen diplomats and community leaders showcasing the thriving sister city network. After an enthusiastic address by Mayor Gray and Ambassador Almeida, the Mood Swings Big Band started belting out smash hits that got the crowd grooving on the dance floor.
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17) then addressed the guests. He praised the network’s citizen diplomats calling them “Some of the most giving people I've met.”
Texas Black Tie and Boots Ball
On the 19th of January the Texan Society of Washington, DC hosted the Black Tie and Boots Ball in National Harbor, Maryland. VIPs walked the red carpet under the salute of the Naval Academy cadets, while guests were greeted by the University of Texas-Pan American mariachi band. Notable guests included Representative Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Miss Texas USA Ali Nugent, and actor Jamie Foxx.
After the grand entrance, the attendees could choose between four different ballrooms featuring different country music stars and a state fair. Merchandise presented at the fair included furs, boots, and Texan barbeque.
Senator John Cornyn in a speech thanked all those who came, and took care to especially thank the veterans that attended the event. Senator Cornyn also reiterated the significance of Texas state pride and congratulated Obama for his second term. Following the Senator’s speech, as part of the Crown Foundation, Miss Texas USA Ali Nugent presented a few veterans with newly remodeled homes to thank them for their service and sacrifice.
Pennsylvania State Society Inaugural Ball
On Sunday, January 20th, the Pennsylvania Society of Washington, DC hosted their inaugural ball at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC. Guests arrived in black tie, as President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama met with VIP guests, including Queen Latifah, in a separate welcome reception that took place before the ball.
The evening commenced with the national anthem, and included performances by Mark Rivera, Tony Tino, and Christine Ohlman. While the entertainment rolled on, a variety of oriental food and desserts bordered the wide, open ballroom area. Guests danced the night away on the ballroom floor while a silent auction took place just outside the ballroom doors, where guests vied for signed sports gear from some of Pennsylvania’s finest sports teams along with many other prizes.
Among the ball’s attendees were former Governor Ed Rendell, Congressman Rick Nolan, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, and several other members of the congressional delegation. These legislative officials joined in with the other guests, and danced until the closing of the festivities at midnight. Senator Bob Casey joined the festivities late, at nearly 10:30 PM; he was delayed by the traffic all DC citizens experienced on inauguration weekend.
This article, with additional photos, was published in the Diplomatic Courier's March/April 2013 print edition.
