Construction of 2009 Inaugural Platform Begins with the Ceremonial Driving of the "First Nail"

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee Bob Bennett, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi today picked up hammers and symbolically began the construction of the 2009 inaugural platform.

The First Nail Ceremony is the traditional kick-off to preparations for the presidential swearing-in. During the ceremony, Chairman Feinstein, the other members of the JCCIC, and the Acting Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers hammered nails into a plank on the site of the platform where the 44th President of the United States will take the oath of office on January 20, 2009.

"The presidential inauguration is more than just a celebration of one person's assumption of the presidency," said Senator Feinstein. "It is an affirmation of our constitution, which ensures the peaceful transition from one administration to another. Congress has the responsibility of overseeing this important symbolic event, and I am honored to chair the effort for the 2009 inauguration."

"Before we swear in the president, we have to hammer in the nails and construct a podium where that ceremony can occur. We begin that process today and I'm delighted to be part of it," said Senator Bennett.

"Perhaps January 20th will bring a hint of spring; perhaps it will be bitterly cold," said Senator Reid. "Whatever weather greets our new president, the American people will greet him with faith, pride and confidence in our enduring, ever strengthening democracy."

"On January 20, 2009, Americans and citizens of the world will again turn their attention to the steps of the Capitol to listen to a new President and that leader's vision for a renewed America," said Speaker Pelosi. "We will face that future together as Americans, and therefore as optimists, who believe that every new day grants us and our nation a new measure of hope."

The 56th Presidential Inaugural will take place at noon on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

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