We're talking about thousands of people who are participating in this thing. Everyone's working overtime to make this baby happen -- and not only happen, but be the best we ever had.

If they're late and the people are waiting, I feel an obligation to keep them entertained somehow, ... I'm not trying to be Bob Hope. But I do feel that if I can keep their minds occupied and keep them somewhat entertained, they'll enjoy themselves more. I'm real serious about spectators having fun. I just feel badly if they come there and leave disappointed.

The building is a special place because of its architecture, ... But it's people who make it special by participating in it.

The inaugural parade is like an extension of the president's personality, ... Dwight Eisenhower, for example. A conservative guy. A military man. Short and simple was what his inauguration parade was all about.

The starting time of the parade is actually determined by the length of time of the traditional brunch,

[? Jimmy Carter. As usual, it was brutally cold, but the new president, his wife Rosalyn and daughter Amy took an unannounced walk from Capitol Hill to the White House.] One of the things I remember, ... is many of the marching band members' lips froze to their instrument mouthpieces. First aid was busy.