Parents who want their children to witness the historic swearing-in of Barack Obama as America's first black president will encounter numerous difficulties.
Inauguration Day 2009 will be historic, but it won’t be kid-friendly. Security measures and a lack of childcare facilities will make it difficult for parents who want their children to witness the historic events first-hand.
Many of the 3 million or so people expected to flood into Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2009, will be parents eager to have their children witness history first-hand, to watch for themselves as America’s first black president is sworn in.
But complex organizational and security procedures are actually discouraging parents from bringing children, particularly infants.
Inaugural Site Lacks Childcare Facilities
There will be no childcare facilities available for those attending the swearing-in ceremony on the west side of the Capitol. That means diaper changing would have to be done in one of the on-site portable toilets or in the open amid a crushing crowd.
Strollers, Bags and Many Foods Banned
Strollers of any kind are banned on the Capitol grounds during Obama’s inauguration. Backpacks and other bags like those parents with infants or toddlers usually must carry also are prohibited. Parents with small children will have to carry and hold them for hours.
The amount of food parents can bring for their children also is limited. Organizers said only “snack size” foods would be allowed. However, coolers and thermoses are prohibited so any provisions will have to be carried.
Umbrellas also are banned from the Capitol grounds during the swearing-in so parents and children should be prepared with plastic ponchos, rain suits or other appropriate attire.
Kids Must Have Tickets, Too
Children also will need their own tickets to attend the swearing-in. A parent with a ticket will not be allowed to bring a child without a ticket, inaugural organizers said. Neither parents nor their kids need a ticket to stand on the National Mall, where giant TV screens will be set up for people to watch the distant ceremony.
Neither parents nor children need a ticket to view the Inaugural Parade, which begins at 2:30 p.m. along Pennsylvania Avenue between the Capitol and the White House. Limited viewing stands and bleachers will be available between Third Street and 17th Street.
Parade spectators won’t be allowed to line up along the route before 7 a.m. Spectators also should allow additional time to clear security checkpoints.
Security Measures Add Long Walks, Waits
Event organizers are cautioning parents to ensure that children are prepared for long waits at security checkpoints and extended standing. Those attending the swearing-in will also have to endure a good deal of walking since many of the streets surrounding Capitol Hill will be closed to traffic.
Weather Could Add to Parental Woes
The swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural parade, the two main public events, are both outdoors and are schedule to go on regardless of weather. January weather in Washington, D.C., can vary, but temperatures for the last four inaugurations hovered in the 30s and low 40s. Rain or snow also is possible.
“Extra consideration should be taken when planning to bring infants, young children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system,” event organizers said on one of the official inaugural websites. “A vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours.”
Questions about what child-care items are allowed should be directed to U.S. Capitol Police at 202-512-1226, event organizers said. Other Inauguration Day 2009 survival tips can be found here.
The copyright of the article Inauguration Day 2009 Will Not Be Kid-Friendly in US President is owned by Bob Kemper. Permission to republish Inauguration Day 2009 Will Not Be Kid-Friendly in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I think it is very discriminatory to do this to parents. My husband and I
spent $2,000 on tickets to attend inauguration with our two toddlers. I
now don't see how that will be possible.
Jan 9, 2009 10:25 AM
Guest :
Dear guest: You are a moron!!! I'm sorry that you spend so much money
on your tickets, but logic should tell you that this is the country's most
historic day and children would not be welcome amoung MILLIONS of people. I
understand that you want your children to see this, but really toddlers????
they will not even remember this. So help everyone else that's going out,
leave the kids at home.
Jan 10, 2009 6:47 PM
Guest :
Inauguration tickets were free. Selling them is illegal. Sorry for you
and your family.
Jan 12, 2009 1:30 PM
Guest :
The $2,000, I imagine, were for plane tickets. I have also spent roughly
the same amount to bring my family of four to DC. And you're right. It's
quite silly for me to want to share an important moment in our nation's
history with my two toddlers. We all know that "MILLIONS of
people" react poorly when placed in close quarters with small
children. Why, they could get you sticky, or make some noise. Better to
keep them out. I think we should thin the crowd out a little more. Maybe,
only registered voters should attend. That would keep those smelly
homeless out. Ooh. Better yet, how about only registered Democrats that
voted for Obama.
Jan 12, 2009 6:44 PM
Guest :
I am the individual who posted the initial comment. I know tickets to
inauguration are free. The $2000 was for plane tickets for 4 people. In response to the person who called me a moron-why would I not want to
take my children to what you call the "country's most historic
day?" Also, why would I "logically" assume that children
would not be welcome amongst millions of people? Why don't my children
deserve the same opportunities that you and I enjoy? By the way, do you
even have children? My youngest may be too young to remember, but my
oldest remembers things from more than a year ago. Shame on you for your
poor attitude. By the way, I'll be there, kids in tow. Care to stand
by us? My son can tell you quite a bit about our country and fairness. He
seems to be a little more mature than you. Enjoy inauguration.
Jan 15, 2009 8:24 AM
Guest :
Oh, so you are saying that you expect the government to take the time to
erect baby changing stations in the middle of the street? Would you like a
few apple sauce vendors, as well? Frankly, your toddlers won't remember a
thing of the inauguration, anyway (and neither would the homeless).
Secondly, this article is trash. It has no prominence whatsoever
and is mere speculation.
Jan 16, 2009 10:24 AM
Guest :
obama sucks. love mccain better. i think kids and teens should
get into the inauguration should get in free. okay what is wrong with the
world.
Jan 16, 2009 10:35 AM
Guest :
I'm a parent of three children( 9,7,& 6) and my ex-husband is adamant
about taking our children. But I say, NO WAY!!!! Yes, it's historic and
who wouldn't want to be a part of history-in-the-making, but I absolutely
refuse to let my children experience all that comes with being there: the
weather, the crowd, walking and standing for hours, traffic, even having a
difficult time eating because of extensive security precautions, perverts,
etc. I can't imagine trying to take them to the restroom and having to
take them back and forth at different times--the LINES that they'll have to
wait in to even use it!!!! I say absolutely NOT!!
Jan 19, 2009 7:58 AM
Guest :
Why shouldn't parents have changing stations? Adults are provided with
facilities. Who is the idiot who is so hard on parents and why does he/she
feel the need to act like a selfish and prejudiced jerk? Apparently this
individual has some serious issues with families and the homeless. I'm not
taking any kids to inauguration, but I think parents, children, and the
homeless deserve equal rights. I applaud parents who model the privileges
of citizenship with their children. The naysayer needs to pull their head
our of their nether-regions.
Jan 19, 2009 8:12 AM
Guest :
I understand both sides of this argument... As a parent, I think it is not
worth putting my children through all the trouble, even though I would love
to attend the inauguration with them. However, the person who called the
first guest a "moron", has such an angry language and lack of
understanding, that I feel sorry for him/her, obviously this person must
not have children and must be a very miserable human being...
Dec 21, 2008
