From a trumpeter in the "President's Own" band, to a Fresno activist there to witness history, the central valley was well represented at Monday’s inauguration.
"I've only been to D.C. a hand full of times and I think this one was a little bit more significant,” said immigration activist Pedro Ramirez.
Ramirez is best known for coming out as an illegal immigrant while President of the Fresno State student body. On Monday, he heard things that make him believe immigration reform will be a priority in President Obama's second term.
'I think he touched upon things that he accomplished, the election obviously, the choices during the election that the American people made and that he campaigned on and that he wants to deliver. And obviously immigration reform is one of the big ones,” Ramirez said.
For Fresno resident Jenna Chilingerian, attending Monday’s inauguration made all the difference.
“Being here and seeing it in person and seeing the capital in front of me and Washington Monument behind me, seeing all these people with their American flags, you know the sense of patriotism that I don't always feel," said Chilingerian.
And the soundtrack was provided in part by trumpeter Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Strong and the "President's Own" Marine Corp Band. Strong graduated from Buchanan High School and says he is honored to become a part of national tradition.
"To be a part of that history and to carry on that tradition is really a cool experience for me," Strong said.
