PRESS RELEASE from the 2009
Presidential
Inaugural Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact: PIC Communications Office
January 7,
2009
President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden Invite Guests on
Inaugural Whistle Stop Tour
Group
of Everyday Americans to Join Obama and Biden Families on Journey to
Washington
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee
announced that a group of everyday Americans has been invited by
President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden to join them on
the Whistle Stop Tour to Washington, D.C. the Saturday before the
Inauguration.
These everyday Americans from all walks of life have made extraordinary
contributions to the life of this country - the worker who became a
champion for workers' rights, the soldier who became an advocate for
servicemen and women suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder;
those who have lost their jobs and struggle bravely to cope in economic
turmoil, and those who work tirelessly to make real the dream of a
better future for their children.
"Each one of these families has their own remarkable story to add to
our American story, and we're thrilled they've agreed to join us as we
travel to Washington," said Josh Earnest, PIC Communications
Director.
The invited guests include the following: Mark Dowell, Crestwood,
KY; Matt Kuntz, Helena, MT; Jim and Alicia Girardeau, Kansas City, MO;
Juliana Sanchez, Albuquerque, NM; Rosa Mendoza, Las Vegas, NV; Lisa
Hazirjian, Cleveland, OH; Kirsten Meehan, Dover, NH; Roy Gross, Taylor,
MI; Shandra Jackson, Arlington, TX; Quincy Lucas, Dover, DE; Patricia
Stiles, Parker, CO; Gregg Weaver, Fairless Hills, PA; Tony Fischer,
Cinncinati, OH; Lilly Ledbetter, Jacksonville, AL; Mike and Cheryl
Fisher, Beech Grove, IN; and Randy Wehrman, LeClair, IA.
The PIC previously announced details of the Whistle Stop Tour. In
the tradition of past Presidents-elect, there will be a series of
events open to the public as the First and Second families make their
way to the nation's capital. The group of Americans traveling
with the Obamas and Bidens will also appear on stage with them at the
public events.
In keeping with the theme of the 2009 Inauguration, "Renewing America's
Promise," the President-elect and Vice President-elect will hold events
in some of the cities instrumental to that promise: Philadelphia, where
that promise was realized; Baltimore, where that promise was defended,
then immortalized in our national anthem; and Washington, where
Americans of all backgrounds will gather over four days, united in
common purpose and resolved to renew that promise once more.
Saturday morning, January 17th, President-elect Obama and his family
will hold an event in Philadelphia before boarding a train for
Wilmington, Delaware, where they will be joined by Vice President-elect
Biden and his family. Together, the families will travel to
Baltimore and hold another event, before finally arriving in
Washington, D.C.
For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration,
please visit www.pic2009.org
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