It was the patriotic enthusiasm of the Presidential Inauguration Friday that prompted Ripon’s Tamra Spade to travel to Washington, DC, to witness the exchange of power at the U.S. Capitol.
“To see armed forces lining the streets, to watch our past presidents walk in as they were announced, to hearing the 21 gun salute following the swearing in it was all so surreal.  I would like to thank Congressman Denham for giving me the opportunity to attend.  I had asked for the tickets before the Presidential election took place.  I was sure Jeff would be elected, but I wanted to attend the Inauguration no matter what.
“This inauguration gave me hope that our country would get back to being great with the people appreciating what this country offers us …. Freedom!  I didn’t get to see anyone but received a message from Assemblyman Flora that he was here and wanted to get together as was my good friend Manuel King from Ripon who was riding his Palomino “Nugget” with the Merced Sheriff’s Mounted Posse with us exchanging messages.
“Because of time restraints I wasn’t able to connect with either of them.”

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.