Voting Resources
Governor Greg Abbott's Inaugural Parade
Governor Greg Abbott became our 48th governor on January 20, 2015 at 11:00 am on the Texas Capitol grounds. He is the first governor elected in a wheelchair and Cecilia is the first Hispanic Texas First Lady. Before leaving office, former Governor Rick Perry marked a verse from the ‘supposedly’ Sam Houston bible, Matthew 20:25-28 in keeping with tradition to the newly elected Governor Abbott.
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and who so ever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
An inaugural parade up Congress Ave followed after his swearing in ceremony at 2:00pm. It was a beautiful sunny day with a cool breeze in the shade; a little warmer and it would have been too hot. The Texas Military Forces Color Guard led the parade followed by the 36th Infantry Division Band from Camp Mabry in Austin. Governor Abbott, Texas First Lady Cecilia and their daughter, Audrey, rode in a white convertible Chevrolet flanked by four or five bodyguards. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and his wife Jan followed in their car with two visible bodyguards. Prior to the parade, two bomb sniffing dogs patrolled the area. In this day, it is wise to take precautions for the safety of the elected officials and the people that come to enjoy the festivities.
The parade, which consisted of a limited number of invitees, included Texas A&M Ross Volunteer Company, USAF Band of the West, Co-Ed Cheer Squad, American Heritage Girls, Duncanville HS High Hats Dance Team and Drum Line, Berkner HS Ramblers, Veterans Memorial HS Chargerettes, Central Catholic/Providence HS Army JROTC, and the San Antonio Firefighters Local 624, the San Antonio Cavaliers including King Antonio Donald Miller, Jr. and the University of Texas Longhorn Band.
The World Famous Cowboy Band noticeably enjoyed the parade and the Six White Horses of Hardin-Simmons University, I might add, were magnificent and the young ladies that rode them were lovely and each carried one of the Six flags over Texas, and the Buffalo Soldiers. The Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Marching Band, Governor Abbott’s former Longview Boy Scout Troop 201, Saint Thomas Episcopal School Pipe Band, the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles and the ever precise Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and Parsons Mounted Calvary, all made for a very unique representation of Texas.
The parade was a refreshing part for the day. Texas still has a conservative Governor that will be true to Texas. I’m glad that there was no ‘pay for seats’ to view the parade. The last inaugural parade was held in 2003. It seems that the 2015 Texas Inauguration which includes the oath ceremony, BBQ, Parade and Ball was a bit pricy at $4Million.
One of the best parts of a parade is the chance of visiting with friends. We were fortunate to see Justice Scott Fields and Justice Jeff Rose, Jonathan Saenz from Texas Values and Robin and Jim Lennon of the Kingwood Tea Party. We had a great time at the inaugural parade!
