By Randal Curtman
Managing Editor
(Managing Editor’s note: Rebekah Stevens was the office manager at my former newspaper, and when I heard she was in Washington, D.C. for the inauguration, I reached out to her for her impressions of the event.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rebekah Stevens, a young Republican from Silver City, N.M., was one of thousands of people from small-town America who traveled to Washington D.C. on Friday to witness the historic inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the nation’s 45th president.
“I’m more than excited to be reporting from Washington D.C. where the weekend’s inaugural activities are taking place and where Donald J. Trump will be official sworn in as the 45th president of the United States,” Stevens said on Thursday. She arrived in Washington ahead of Friday's festivities with her brother, Curtis, thrilled to take part in the inauguration.
Stevens was chosen to go to Cleveland, Ohio, in July as an alternate delegate from New Mexico to the Republican National Convention. Stevens was the office manager for the Silver City Sun-News, and she left the newspaper business in 2016 to pursue a career in politics.
“The Family Research Council had a nice event and reception,” she said. ”There was also a great prayer event at the Greater New Hope Baptist Church featuring members of the Israeli Knesset and Congressmembers. It was great to see U.S. and Israeli leaders pray for the future of our nation.”
Former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann opened the prayers and many others followed, Stevens said.
“Christian and Jewish leaders offered up prayers regarding our Nation, the Trump Administration, the media and relationships with Israel and recognizance of Jerusalem as her Capitol,” she said. “The building was packed, but it’s a shame there wasn’t a line of folks waiting to get in — we need more prayer in this great nation.”
A highlight was the recitation of the Aaronic blessing in Hebrew by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, Stevens added. “It was beautiful.”
Afterward Stevens headed over to the National Portrait Archive, a part of the Smithsonian that houses scores of portraits of famous Americans. “Many of my favorites were of the presidents,” she said. There was also a photo of Donald Trump on display.
On Friday morning, an excited crowd gathered in front of the Washington D.C. capitol building. Thousands wore the red caps that represent the working class, imprinted with the slogan “Make America Great Again.”
“Many seniors that I visited with were first time attendees to any inauguration and were early supporters of President Trump,” Stevens said. “Other attendees were energized millenials. One young City Council member from a small Connecticut town explained how millenials were becoming involved and backing Trump in his town.”
As former President Clinton was introduced, the crowd of thousands booed and chanted “lock her up” as if at a campaign rally, Stevens said.
“In his address, Trump offered the crowds hope and inspiration, declaring that we as a people will bring back our jobs, borders, wealth and dreams,” she said.
In regard to foreign policy and international affairs, Trump said, “We don’t seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but to shine for everyone to follow,” but also said, “We will unite the civilized world against radical Islam.”
As the crowds departed, the inauguration ended with a prayer led by Franklin Graham and the National Anthem sung by Jackie Evancho.
“Over all it was a beautiful program. Now we shall see what Trump can accomplish and how he will work and communicate with the nation during the next four years,” Stevens said.
“As a history buff, it’s absolutely fantastic to listen to all the presidential history facts played over the speakers at the Inauguration,” she said.