Article can be found in Cleveland Leader:
Barack Obama may have stumbled over his words briefly during his inauguration, but he made an even bigger blunder later Tuesday evening. The newly sworn-in President opted not to appear at what should have been one of the most important Balls on his agenda that evening - The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball.
The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball was begun in 1953 for President Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration. The event recognized recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award. There were 48 Medal of Honor recipients in attendance, who were undoubtedly disappointed by the Commander-in-Chief's failure to show. Over the past 56 years and 14 inaugurations, no President has skipped this event - until now.
The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball is sponsored by the American Legion, and co-sponsored by 13 other veteran's service organizations, including those such as the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Instead of attending this ball honoring our nation's heroes, Obama was busy making stops at 10 other official balls. Obama and his wife's first stop was at the Neighborhood Ball. From there they went to the Home State Ball for Illinois and Hawaii, the Commander-in-Chief Ball, the Youth Inaugural Ball, and the Home State Ball for Delaware and Pennsylvania. They finished off the night with brief appearances at the Mid-Atlantic, Western, Midwest, Eastern, and Southern regional Balls.
Celebrities were a plenty at the balls, with Stevie Wonder, Shakira, Mary. J. Blige, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, will.i.am, Sting, Mariah Carey, and Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance at the Neighborhood Ball. In addition, the other nine balls also featured a star-studded lineup including Kanye West and Kid Rock at the Youth Ball, Marc Anthony at the Western Ball, and Cheryl Crow at the Western Ball.
It was the party without all of the celebrities that Obama skipped. The very people who he sought to have support him during his candidacy and campaign, who have fought to protect this country, were snubbed in favor of publicity and the opportunity to rub shoulders - yet again - with the out-of-touch Hollywood elite.
This bust of COL(R) Aaron Bank (founder of Special Forces) was made for him on his 100th birthday. Sergio was there during the unveiling of the bust in California in 2002. It was sent to the museum after the unveiling. It was cool that he finally got to see it at the museum.
Cam giving directions to some Afghans....
Mad that Kate made them take a picture together...:)
The light was hanging so low over the table!
I've started a small online business selling t-shirts designed by both me and Serg. Its been a great and really fun way for me to continue learning graphic design from the most talented GD I know....my husband! :) We have a lot of different stuff and are adding more all the time!
Cameron and Brittani before they went to dinner.
In December I made cookies for deploying soldiers that Serg was teaching. I got such good feedback, and since he was headed up for Fort Dix again, I decided to make cupcakes. It was a big hit and everyone liked them. My family is so appreciative of those serving our country. I'm thankful that my husband is able to stay home with me. Its the least I can do for those men and women defending my freedom!
It says "I love my wife"
