54th Massachusetts regiment to march in parade
The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment and the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment reenactors have been invited to march in President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural parade, his inaugural committee announced today.
It makes perfect sense since the nation's first all-black regiment was commissioned during the Civil War by President Abraham Lincoln, whom is revered by Obama, the nation's first black president.
The parade will include bands and other groups marching down Pennsylvania Avenue following Obama's swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol. The committee received applications from 1,382 organizations, a new record.
"I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade," Obama said in a statement. "These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity and commitment to service. Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade."
About Political Intelligence
Glen Johnson is Politics Editor at boston.com and lead blogger for "Political Intelligence." He moved to Massachusetts in the fourth grade, and has covered local, state, and national politics for over 25 years. E-mail him at johnson@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globeglen. |
