Recruit Company Victor 180 will be marching in the 56th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20, 2009 and are completing their final inspections before they depart on Thursday Jan. 15, 2009.

"Participating in the Presidential Inauguration is an enormous opportunity for Recruit Company Victor 180. This time honored military tradition will give them an experience they will treasure for many years," said Cmdr. Michael Senecal, the Executive Officer for Coast Guard Training Center Cape May.

Providing military ceremonial support to the inauguration dates back 220 years. When George Washington began his inaugural journey from Mount Vernon, Va. to New York City, local militias joined his inaugural procession as it passed through towns along the way. Once Washington arrived in New York City, a presidential escort composed of members of the U.S. Army, local militia units and Revolutionary War veterans accompanied him to Federal Hall for the presidential oath. The military has continued this tradition of inaugural support ever since.

Several hundred Armed Forces personnel are preparing to provide ceremonial support to the 56th Presidential Inaugural during the 10-day inaugural period in January 2009. This support is traditionally comprised of musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons, which render appropriate ceremonial honors to the Commander-in-Chief. Historically, as many as 5,000 service members have participated in the celebration on Inauguration Day.

Media Note: Please contact Chief Warrant Officer Veronica Bandrowsky at (609) 898-6362 if you are interested in attending the personnel inspection Tuesday at 3 p.m.