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2003 GUBERNATORIAL INAUGURATION by Thomas Baird Photo by Tom Baird On January 1st, 2003 at high noon Jennifer M. Granholm was sworn in as Michigan's first woman Governor. In sunny Lansing, she became the 47th Governor of the great state of Michigan. With the temperature reaching only 28 degrees that day, the Granholm/Cherry Inauguration Committee changed the way the swearing in ceremonies were to take place. With previous Michigan Governors who would be sworn in and then deliver their Inaugural addresses, the chilly weather would have resulted in a case of frostbite; so after the swearing in ceremony, it was decided to motorcade about five blocks down Michigan Avenue to the Lansing Center to deliver the speeches in the warm and comfort of a packed hall of Granholm supporters. About 1,000 people attended the well-organized ceremony on the steps of the Capitol. It carried all the pomp and ceremony that one would expect for such an unprecedented event. Right after the new Governor was sworn in the Michigan National Guard shot off several cannons to salute the new Governor. She then proceeded to the lead car of the motorcade to the Lansing Center. People then marched down the street following the motorcade for the Inaugural speeches that were to follow. Inside the Lansing Center about 3,000 additional people watched the event that was simulcast on the Michigan Cable Television Network. Governor Granholm delivered a very moving speech encouraging all the residents of Michigan to become more involved and help those less fortunate. After about an hour of speeches there were separate halls open for various activities for this 'Family Celebration.' Receiving lines were set up for the Governor and Lt. Governor John Cherry, along with several activities for all the children who attended. Governor Granholm later that evening would be attending the first of three Inaugural Balls that she has scheduled in Grand Rapids. There were several other events scheduled through the Holiday Week to celebrate the Inauguration of Michigan's first woman Governor. Granholm mentioned several times that she would be a very hard working Governor and would put Michigan's children first and foremost because they are the future. Governor Granholm delivered a 22-minute Inaugural Speech at the Lansing Center that was interrupted by applause several times. She thanked the women before her who led the way and made it possible for her to run for Governor. She encouraged the people of Michigan to serve in public service no matter what gender, race, nationality or religion. Governor Granholm also spoke about working with both the House and Senate leadership for the protection of the Michigan Family and the better education of Michigan's children. She addressed the tough economic times ahead of us here in Michigan and stated that it will take all of us to work together to improve the situation. She said her administration would work to promote better schools and mental health programs, lower prescription costs and practice environmental conservation. She drew upon John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address calling for more civic involvement. "Government is great and will be great but will need more help from the people of Michigan," said Granholm. It was a well delivered speech for the 4,000 warm spectators in the Lansing Center. Out going Governor John Engler left after the swearing-in ceremony to attend a reception in his old office and did not attend the Inaugural Speech at the Lansing Center. All in all it was a pretty festive week for the new Governor. Now time will tell how effective she will be in tackling the big tasks facing her over the next few months.
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