Local women attending inaugural
CORTLAND — Two local women have received special invitations to attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Friday.
Mary Theis of Warren and Judie Shortreed of Cortland both received personal invitations with the seal of the Presidential Inaugural Committee by Federal Express, as well as invitations to the welcome concert, the parade and the inaugural ball.
“I’ve always loved the political process and loved discussing it, even with people who disagree with me,” Theis said.
Theis, a member of the Ohio Federation of Republican Women, and fellow member Shortreed will be driven by a friend to the Air Force base at Fort Meade, then take a shuttle into D.C. to enjoy the inauguration, as well as the laying of the wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the prayer service on Saturday.
“You’re never too old to start,” Shortreed said, “It’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever done and I’m 70.”
Shortreed and Theis, 82, were originally supposed to be a part of a group taking the Anderson bus to D.C. for the inauguration, but decided they would rather have a friend drive them so that they could attend the other events. The rest of the Warren Republican Women’s Club has plans for roughly seven people to attend the inauguration by taking an Anderson bus that will leave early Thursday, then return Friday evening following the inauguration and the parade.
Roberta Shields of Vienna said although she has visited Washington D.C. before, this will be the first time she has attended a presidential inauguration, although she may considering attending another one if Trump wins a second term.
“I feel privileged to see Trump take the oath of office,” Shields said.
Shields, who retired last year and now devotes her time to politics, said her experience in the presidential campaign has convinced her to remain aware and involved in politics.
Cathy Lukasko of Brookfield, a fellow member of the WRWC, has been with the group for four years, and is bringing her husband Alec and daughter Kelly along too.
“I think it’s important to try and meet the politicians in person,” Lukasko said.
She saw Vice President-elect Mike Pence and former mayor Rudy Giuliani at a Youngstown State University rally and also met political consultant Karl Rove and news anchor Jorge Ramos.
Tracey Winbush, vice-chairwoman and state attorney for the Ohio Republican Party, said this is the third inauguration she has attended. The first was for George W. Bush in 2005, which she attended because it was the first time she had been involved in a presidential campaign. The second time was for Barack Obama in 2009, because Winbush believed it was important to see the first African American sworn into office.
“I was not initially a Trump supporter, but now I am excited to see a non-politician getting into office,” Winbush said, explaining that it was important for Americans to be involved and to see the process for themselves. Aside from the inauguration, Winbush said that she also will be attending the inaugural ball afterward for the first time.
For the people that have attended an inauguration before, they all had the same advice: Attendants should make sure to dress warmly since there will be a lot of standing outside and it is expected to be very cold.
ddye@tribtoday.com
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