Inauguration Day Event
Consulate General Jeddah hosted over 200 Saudi and foreign contacts including youth, businesspeople, government officials, and members of the diplomatic and American expatriate community at the Consulate General to watch the 2009 Presidential Inauguration. The event was decorated with prominent images of the parade route along Pennsylvania Avenue, the National Mall and leading up to the White House.
The inauguration ceremony was shown in real-time on three large screens for guests who were excited to hear the President’s speech. The atmosphere of the historic event and celebration of the democratic process were visibly conveyed in the broadcast from Washington and felt by guests in attendance. After screening the ceremony, many guests also had the chance to write messages to the President and learn more about the new administration. Messages written by both young and old alike included reflections on the historic nature of the election, considerations for the challenges and changes ahead and notes of congratulations.