Casey Smith of Baton Rouge wanted to scratch witnessing a presidential inauguration off his bucket list, so he and his wife, Elizabeth, traveled to the nation’s capital this week for President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in.
“The timing was good,” the 64-year-old tells USA Today. “It’s more about the office than who is in the office. It’s so powerful. It’s the transition of power.”
The Smiths were among the scores of Louisianians on Capitol Hill visiting their lawmaker offices Thursday to pick up tickets for inauguration events, including the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.
The day before the 202-member marching band from West Monroe High School met with Republican Rep. Ralph Abraham. The band is the only one from Louisiana to participate in the inaugural parade.
“I’m just glad they’re here,” says Abraham. “It’s an unique moment in history. We’ve very proud of the West Monroe band having the ability to get here.”
Abraham says there were also others from the 5th Congressional District, including a choir from Ruston and some military police.
“I think by district—the 5th—percentage-wise is probably represented better than any district in the nation,” he says with a chuckle. “I would put my district up against anybody percentage wise and think I’ll win that battle every day.”
Many visitors from Louisiana say they traveled to Washington to witness history. Trump won the state in the presidential battle against Democrat Hillary Clinton. For many, including Abraham, they will be witnessing their first inauguration.
“I’m as excited as anybody up here to be part of it,” Abraham says.
Casey and Elizabeth Smith stopped by the office of Republican Garret Graves to pick up their tickets. The couple not only wanted to attend the inauguration, but they were also celebrating their 20th anniversary.
