Inauguration Day!

The day started early for Brooke and me. We were on our way to the inauguration of the new governor with the rest of Brooke's chorale. We chartered two buses and had a police escort all the way to Baton Rouge's new State Capital.

We call it the "new" State Capital, even though it was finished in 1932. I don't know how old it will have to be for us to drop the "new." I guess it's because the "old" State Capital is right down the road. (Baton Rouge also has the "old" and "new" Mississippi River Bridges.) It's the tallest state capital in the U.S. We were at the bottom of the steps for the inauguration. It's a really TALL building.

This is one of the monumental statues that flank the east and west of the central steps (49 - one for all the states except for Hawaii and Alaska who share the last step - there were only 48 states when the State Capital was finished). This statue is of the pioneers of Louisiana. Brooke insisted I get the tiny security guy standing above to give perspective of the size of the statue.

The performance chorale sang for about 20 minutes before the official ceremony began. They performed patriotic and popular state songs. The chorale did an excellent job and I was pleased to hear all the positive comments from the crowd behind me.

Singing "Jambalaya."

The new governor and his bride.

Our new governor gives his address to the cheering crowds.

"We can change; we must change; we will change." To all of us tired of the stereotype of corrupt Louisiana politicians, we say Amen!

Flyover by F-15's of the 159th Fighter Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard.

Afterwards, lunch at the Mall. One very tired, sunburned young lady is happy this is all over.