ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) — The inaugural parade is one of the many events having to make adjustments due to the anticipated inclement weather Monday.
In addition to his swearing-in ceremony being moved indoors, President-elect Donald Trump said the parade will shift inside the Capital One Arena.
Despite it being 72 hours out from Inauguration Day, some organizations on Friday hadn’t been told what to expect yet.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is planning for nearly 200 people to be in the District this weekend. Regardless of the venue, organizers say they’re going to make it a meaningful experience.
“The hope is that everybody will be able to participate regardless of the location. But I am glad that they’re looking out for people’s health and safety,” said Diana Roaday Hosford, vice president of sports and entertainment with TAPS.
TAPS is an Arlington-based nonprofit helping those grieving a death in the military or veteran community.
“Any opportunity for families to have their loved ones remembered, to have them honored, to have them recognized is meaningful. Survivors never want their heroes to be forgotten,” Roday Hosford said. “And an opportunity like this to do it in honor of the commander-in-chief is so incredibly meaningful for them.
One of those marching is Brian Bauman, who was 17 years old when his father, Commander Charles J. Bauman, Jr. died of a service-related illness. He found out in 1949 his father participated in the inaugural events for President Harry Truman.
“He walked the parade and did the events. So I thought this is an interesting way to be able to celebrate…his life. But also walk in his footsteps,” Bauman said.
Those footsteps may not be down Pennsylvania Avenue, but these military families are ready to support each other and have the nation recognize their loved ones.
“Their sacrifices are not in vain. And being able to celebrate those, recognize those all together, transcends politics,” Bauman said.
