Amid frigid temperatures that blanketed Washington, D.C., on Inauguration Day, a group of local residents traveled to the nation’s capital to witness history as Donald Trump was sworn in as President and Ohio’s own J.D. Vance took the oath of office as Vice President.
JD Vance Speaks to the crown at the Ohio Ball on Sunday.
Photo Submitted.
Planned as a grand outdoor celebration, many of the day’s events were moved indoors due to the extreme cold gripping the region. The brisk adjustments did little to dampen the enthusiasm of attendees, who hailed from across the country to mark the occasion. A much larger group from Adams County was slated to attend, but Adams County Republicans canceled the chartered bus because of the uncertainty of how many events would be opened to the public.
“We couldn’t miss this historic moment, even with the cold weather,” said Jason Francis, Vice Chair of Adams County Republicans. “Watching someone from Ohio become Vice President—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Francis also had the opportunity to catch-up with newly minted US Senator Jon Husted, who he serves as chair for in Adams County.
One highlight of the inaugural weekend for Ohioans was the Ohio Ball, held Sunday evening to celebrate their state’s pivotal role in the 2024 election. Hosted indoors to shield revelers from the bitter chill, the event drew hundreds, including several local residents.
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance was the special guest of the evening, delivering a heartfelt speech filled with personal reflections on his journey. “I am a son of Ohio,” Vance began, sparking cheers from the audience.
“From growing up in Middletown to standing here tonight as your Vice President, I am deeply humbled and grateful.” Vance’s remarks touched on his childhood struggles, a theme he famously chronicled in his bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy. He also found time to show his Ohio pride, referencing the Ohio State Buckeyes and their long-standing football tradition.
Guests at the Ohio Ball described the atmosphere as celebratory and unifying. For many, it wasn’t just a political event but a moment of collective pride. “This was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish as a state,” shared Ty Pell, Executive Chairman of Adams County Republicans. “Hearing Vice President Vance speak made it feel real. We were part of something bigger.”
As inaugural weekend festivities came to a close, locals reflected on the significance of the occasion and their role in witnessing a pivotal moment in American history. While Washington’s icy winds may have chilled the crowds, the warmth of pride and patriotism among those who attended was undeniable.
“This isn’t just about politics,” said Pell. “It’s about hope and the belief that anyone from a small town can make it to the highest levels of leadership.”
