The One blows off MoH Recipients for first time in 56 years
Friday, January 23, 2009
UPDATE: Go below for an update to the craziness these stories have generated. Its been an interesting week, for sure... oh, and be sure to check out the comments at ThisAin'tHell, LGF, ACE, and Pajamas- talk about unhinged! - Wolf
Yep. Get used to it.
Our new CINC attended quite a few gatherings last night, but as This Ain't Hell reports, the Salute To Heroes Inaugural Ball was not one of them. For the first time in 56 years, a newly-inaugurated president has not attended the ball begun by President Eisenhower. 14 presidents later, a snub.
Go check it out over there- FORTY-EIGHT MoH recipients were in attendance. People- that's HALF of the recipients that are still alive, and darn well nearly all that are physically able to attend events.
Below the fold, the events the President did attend.
Wolf
UPDATED: I spoke this morning to the American Legion folks, and they've asked me to counter some of the 'bad press' that people are putting out questioning whether or not this event actually took place- if you can believe some would go that far. Pictures sent to me, and a release from Craig Roberts, spokeman for the AL:
In answer to your inquiry:
The American Legion, as it has on every inauguration evening since 1953, hosted the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Banquet & Ball on January 20th. The quadrennial event is co-sponsored with fourteen veterans service and military service organizations and honors recipients of the Medal of Honor. Forty-seven of these heroes attended this year’s event which was held in the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel.
President Obama was invited but did not attend. Vice-President Joe Biden did appear, however, and was very warmly received. The new President’s absence was understandable considering the unprecedented logistical challenges presented by the vastly increased number of visitors to this inauguration and the necessary attendant security measures. The American Legion, as an organization, does not feel offended or “snubbed.”
Craig Roberts
Media Relations Manager
The American Legion
1608 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Now, WTH is up with people that won't confront reality????
'official' balls attended:
Neighborhood Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Obama Home States (Illinois and Hawaii) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Biden Home States (Pennsylvania and Delaware) Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Midwest Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Western Inaugural Ball at the Washington Convention Center.
_ Commander in Chief’s Ball at the National Building Museum. (Michelle danced with Marine Sergeant Elidio Guillen of Madera, California while the President had as a dance partner Army Sergeant Margaret H. Herrera of San Antonio, Texas)
_ Southern Inaugural Ball at the National Guard Armory.
_ Eastern Inaugural Ball at Union Station.
_ Youth Inaugural Ball at the Washington Hilton.