Lt. Clay Cromer, with Yeoman Matthew Attaberry, inspect recuits' uniforms prior to leaving for the inauguration. Photos by Leslie Truluck.

CAPE MAY – Recruit Company Victor 180 underwent a personnel inspection Tuesday, Jan. 13 at U.S Coast Guard Training Center Cape May to prepare for participation in the 56th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20.

Lt. Clay Cromer, along with Yeoman Matthew Attaberry, inspected all aspects of each uniform including nametags, boots and pants on 85 members of the senior company, in week seven of their tour, which was extended to nine weeks due to participation in the inauguration.

Aside from a few finishing touches, like eliminating lint and applying a final polish to their shoes, the company, which will march in the parade, has completed its final uniform inspections before its departure on Thursday, Jan. 15.

Providing military ceremonial support to the inauguration dates back 220 years; when George Washington began his inaugural journey from Mount Vernon, Va. to New York City, and local militias joined his inaugural procession as it passed through towns along the way.

Once Washington arrived in New York City, a presidential escort composed of members of the U.S. Army, local militia units and Revolutionary War veterans accompanied him to Federal Hall for the presidential oath.

“Participating in the Presidential Inauguration is an enormous opportunity for Recruit Company Victor 180. This time-honored military tradition will give them an experience they will treasure for many years,” stated Cmdr. Michael Senecal, the executive officer for Coast Guard Training Center Cape May in a release.

The military has since continued this tradition of inaugural support. Several hundred Armed Forces personnel are preparing to provide ceremonial support to the 56th Presidential Inaugural during the 10-day inaugural period this month.

Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck @cmcherald.com.