Info from the Stillwater Gazette,  published 1/29/17.

John Rheinberger, with his siblings Joe and Marguerite, attended the presidential inauguration Jan. 20 in Washington D.C.   In addition to the inauguration, the Rheinbergers attended the Kentucky Bluegrass Ball and spent hours with marchers in the Women’s March on Washington Jan. 21.

Following are John's replies to the Gazette about their experience. 

What was most memorable to you about the inauguration?

The most memorable event was the president’s 1,435 word speech. I originally thought Senator Chuck Schumer of New York had made a semi-successful attempt to hijack the event by giving a left-leaning address through his position as a co-chair of the 58th inaugural event. He was later booed off the podium. As it surprisingly turned out the senator had only primed the president’s forthcoming speech thus making it only better. I had never been in a live audience before but I thought that he had truly engaged them as well as me. And, a great ending with all participating by saying “America First!”

How would you describe the mood in Washington D.C. during the week of the inauguration?

I expected the city to be really energized. Except for pockets it was not. With the President getting only 4 percent of the vote in D.C. (11,500 votes out of 280,000) I should not have been surprised. On the morning of the inaugural you could get a seat on the Metro line except at the stations very close to the event. I had expected it to be totally jammed. Many Capital Hill offices were open for receptions at least by the Republican majority. I sensed that the political divisions were still there and the Women’s March on the next day confirmed it.

What other thoughts would you like to share about the experience?

I encourage others to attempt to get involved in historic events. inaugurals are such occasions. Looking forward you do not really know if you are currently witnessing an unbelievable event. The 58th inaugural maybe just another garden variety inaugural or it could be something clearly a historic turning point. Further, as you plan to somehow be involved in such events you do not know how your personal life may change, if any, because of your participation. It is these unknown surprises that make a lifetime fun!

Full article available at:    http://stillwatergazette.com/2017/01/29/area-residents-attend-inauguration/