VIENNA, Va. — Rear Admiral Earl L. Gay, a volunteer committee member at Navy Federal Credit Union will serve as deputy chairman of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee during President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.
Through the AFIC, Gay's role will be to provide military ceremonial support for inaugural activities taking place Jan. 15-24. Participation by servicemen and women traditionally includes musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons.
"First and foremost, it is an honor to be a part of such a historic event. To be here at the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee representing the thousands of men and women serving our country, at home and abroad, leaves me humbled," Gay said. "We are the world's model for a peaceful transition of power and the eyes of the world will be upon us on January 20."
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The 2009 inauguration will be the 56th in which the military has played a role in welcoming the incoming commander in chief. During the first, in April 1789, U.S. Army, local militia units and Revolutionary War veterans escorted George Washington to his inaugural ceremony at New York City's Federal Hall.
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