An Obama inaugural ball will be only for military

An Obama inaugural ball will be only for military

By PHILIP ELLIOTT
Associated Press Writer


HONOLULU (AP) -- President-elect Barack Obama will have a Commander in Chief's Ball during his inauguration with military personnel, their spouses and those wounded fighting in the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as guests.

In announcing this Thursday, officials said that tickets for the Jan. 20 military-only ball will be free to guests. The formal event will be at the National Building Museum in Washington.

"It is a privilege to honor our men and women in uniform during our inaugural festivities by continuing the tradition of the Commander in Chief's Ball. Our troops represent the best America has to offer, and without their dedication and sacrifice we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we are coming together to celebrate on January 20," Obama said in a statement released while he vacationed here in his native Hawaii.

"They deserve our thanks and our gratitude. Michelle and I look forward to attending the Commander in Chief's Ball and sharing this special evening with representatives of our armed forces," his statement said.

Aides say most of the guests will be enlisted personnel and junior officers. Others will be active duty military members, active duty National Guard and National Guard Reserve members. The guest list also will featured those injured in military actions, families of those killed in combat and spouses of those deployed.

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Thanks for sharing the info.

I am SOOOO looking forward to not having to endure seeing the President celebrate his Inauguration surrounded by a bunch of rich Texas hoy paloy.

for the inaguration. My mom and I are going. I wonder if I will be able to get tickets. With the cost of the hotel I won't be able to afford any of the other balls. :( I'm happy that other active duty families will be able to attend. They deserve it. I'm glad Obama cares so much about the military families...