Being in Washington, D.C., for President Donald Trump's inauguration this past Monday was an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
By now, you know all about the cold weather and how it changed everyone's plans. What it did not change was the spirit of patriotism and exuberance felt by one and all! From fellow passengers on the plane to the people we met in our hotel and restaurants, the message was clear: WE'RE BACK!! And unlike the past, we feel free to shout that from the rooftops. We're proud Republicans, but most of all, proud to be Americans.
On Saturday, we had cocktails with other Republican women from across the U.S. at the National Federation of Republican Women Welcome Reception. We partied at the Southern States Ball with Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Alabama Republican Chairman John Wahl, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, and even Miss America.
On Sunday, we had coffee with Alabama Sen. Katie Britt, who is about to change history when her bill, The Laken Riley Act, will be the first bill signed into law by President Trump. Britt took the time to update us on what to expect in the coming months and she graciously took photos with what seemed to be a never-ending stream of constituents and supporters. I was most impressed that she took extra time to speak individually with a group of young women, the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids, who had been bumped from participating in the Inaugural Parade.
Instead of being disappointed on Jan. 20, 2025, that I wasn't outside on the Capitol grounds, witnessing the swearing in ceremony live, I was blessed to have an invitation to an indoor watch party at The Heritage Foundation. Let me tell you, this was NOT some buttoned up, milquetoast conservative bunch. Far from it! The first thing that struck me was the racial and cultural diversity of the crowd. Among the cowboy hats, MAGA hats, Texas twangs and southern drawls, I saw yarmulkes and turbans and heard accents from the Midwest, the Northeast and several foreign countries. Young and old, male and female, black and white, Hispanic and Asian Americans – We The People! – gathered to celebrate and witness the historic swearing-in of our 47th president.
At times, I felt like I was at an SEC football game with all the cheering for Republican leaders and yes, even the booing of certain (well, actually all) Democrats as they were introduced at the ceremony on the screen in front of us. But the crowd went quiet as the Oath of Office was administered, followed by clapping, cheering and high-fives all around. Perhaps the most moving moment, however, was when the Battle Hymn of the Republic was performed. This crowd, so raucous just a moment earlier, sang along with reverence and pride. Many of us with a lump in our throats and tears glistening in our eyes.
At that moment, it felt like it was as God intended. The bitter loss in 2020, the survival of lawfare and multiple assassination attempts were all for a purpose. Trump is ready to roll and make the most of his second term.
God Bless President Trump and God Bless our great United States of America.
Diane Caldwell is the president of the North Shelby Republican Women. This article is adapted from a letter she wrote to her fellow members.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
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