Photography by John Michael

Upon the urging of a good friend, I next headed to the Metro station to secure a day pass for my trip on Tuesday (I know, it’s going to be “bedlam” as one of my friends warned me. However I NEED to do this. Another one suggested your “peeps” are going to be there. So “peeps” here I come!)

I secured my “one day pass” and found the Metro ticket emblazoned with President-elect Obama’s face. Great, now I have my official souvenir of the year. As I left, I noticed that his face appeared on most of the newspapers waiting for purchase in their metal boxes… hmmmm

Off to the grocery store to get the basics and “SUNDAY’S” newspaper, I passed a display in the front of the store and there they were, the official “Presidential Cookie” with Barack Obama on the front. Magazines with his face smiling, pensive, etc.

Picked up the newspaper. Yep you guessed it … right there on the front! Took the paper & basics home and as I began to read “tomorrow’s news today” … yep you guessed it, I saw – “the Official Barack Obama Coins”, “The official Barack wall hanging”, “The official Barack …”

Maybe I should come out with the “Official Barack Obama Edition” of “The Old Guard on Parade – 2009″ But I don’t think so, because it’s already the “inaugural” calendar and a historic item in itself. Since based on my extensive research in speaking with many who have served in the OLD GUARD as far back as the 1950s to current, no one can recall that there was ever a calendar about the regiment. So my claim still stands until proven wrong. As soon as I get in touch with the curator of the “now closed” Old Guard museum, I’ll have further confirmation.