55th Presidential Inaugural Committee

55th Presidential Inaugural Committee Unveils Inaugural Theme and Schedule of Events

The 54th Presidential Inauguration Remembered

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) Chairman Jeanne Johnson Phillips and Executive Director Greg Jenkins announced the inaugural theme, “Celebrating Freedom, Honoring Service”, and the schedule of events surrounding the 55th Presidential Inauguration.

“We are a nation at war, and it is fitting that the inaugural events reflect not only the great sacrifices made by our troops everyday to protect our freedom, but also the cherished ideals that make our nation so unique,” said Phillips.

The committee released the schedule of inaugural events beginning with a Military Gala on Tuesday, January 18th and ending with a National Prayer Service on Friday, January 21st. There will be a variety of events throughout the four-day span, including a youth entertainment concert and a Commander-in-Chief’s Ball.

The youth entertainment concert will focus on community and public service. It will include musical acts, video clips, and guest speakers.

The Commander-in-Chief Ball will be a special celebration for troops and their families, focusing on those that have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan or will soon be deployed. This event has been added to the inaugural celebrations to honor our troops and thank them for their service. It will be free of charge.

“The Commander-in-Chief Ball will specifically honor and thank the men and women and their families who are on the front lines of freedom every day. This unique event will celebrate the vital work of our military to protect our nation,” said Jenkins.

There will also be three candle light dinners, nine inaugural balls, the traditional parade, and other activities. Parade participants and entertainment will be announced as appropriate.

The website for the 55th Presidential Inauguration will be live today. It is designed to assist members of the public as they seek tickets and information about President Bush’s second inauguration and learn more about America’s inaugural traditions. New features will be frequently added as inauguration day nears.

Current Features include:

Remembering the 54th Inaugural. This feature includes a video featuring photos, and audio clips from President George W. Bush’s first inaugural address. Inaugural history. Learn how our inaugural traditions got started with the story of the first inaugural and facts about each inaugural since. Request tickets online. This feature includes an online form for the public to request tickets to inaugural events.

Members of the media and the public will be notified of any changes to the schedule of events.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2005 SALUTING THOSE WHO SERVE The MCI Center CHAIRMAN’S RECEPTION Mellon Auditorium YOUTH CONCERT The DC Armory WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2005 CHAIRMAN’S BRUNCH Mellon Auditorium A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM The Ellipse CANDLELIGHT DINNER #1 Union Station CANDLELIGHT DINNER #2 The Nat’l Building Museum CANDLELIGHT #3 The Washington Hilton THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2005 ST. JOHN’S CHURCH SERVICE St. John’s Church SWEARING IN CEREMONY US Capitol

INAUGURAL PARADE Pennsylvania Ave. CONSTITUTION BALL Washington Hilton FREEDOM BALL Union Station INDEPENDENCE BALL Convention Center (A) TEXAS WYOMING BALL Convention Center (B) LIBERTY BALL Convention Center (C) DEMOCRACY BALL Convention Center (D) PATRIOT BALL Convention Center (E) STARS AND STRIPES BALL Convention Center Ballroom COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF BALL National Building Museum FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2005 NATIONAL PRAYER SERVICE National Cathedral

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