Alaskans who had a unique vantage point at yesterday’s Inaugural ceremonies in Washington, DC are reflecting on their experiences. Two groups represented Alaska in the Inaugural parade. More than 20 people came from Barrow with the Suurimmaanitchuat Dance group. They were the only Alaska Native group in the parade and rode a float down the route, eventually making their way to the stands where President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle, and Vice President Joe Biden watched with others. Member Robert Akpik, Jr. says it was an amazing experience.
In addition to the Barrow dancers, a marching band came from Colony High School in Palmer. Senior Joy Mielke, 19, says they got up long before dawn to catch a bus to the staging area, and then spent hours in the cold waiting for the parade to start.
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington, DC
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