Cathy Perfect
Kern Valley Sun

It was a matter of, “I have to go,” said Avis Chadwick of Lake Isabella, when she contacted Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s office in Washington, D.C. to secure tickets for President Barack Obama’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

She and her daughter, Amy, flew out of LAX on Jan. 16. After a few layovers and  connecting flights, they stayed a couple of nights with relatives in Maryland. They decided a trip to Wal-Mart, to make sure we had everything they needed to keep warm in D.C., was in order. “We bought some of the hotties, little heat things for inside your gloves and boots,” Chadwick said. 

Avis Chadwick of Lake Isabella displays souvenirs from her trip to Washington, D.C. for President Obama’s inauguration Jan. 20.

“I have never seen so many people in one place,” she said of the estimated 1.5 million people in town to witness history and be a part of the festivities. “It was so inspiring! Being in the nation’s capitol...I felt so proud to be an American.” Chadwick reiterated others’ observations of the politeness, civility, and helpfulness displayed by everyone from vendors to police.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Chadwick. “I’m still pumped up.”