inauguration

a week ahead of the presidential inauguration, i photographed the 55th governor of missouri in his own inaugural. this is as close as i came to d.c. this year.


John and Jean Greer read their programs as some of the first arrivals to Missouri Gov.-elect Jay Nixon's inauguration Monday morning in Jefferson City. John Greer sat on the board of the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority and worked with Nixon on MOHELA-related legislation. "We've had nothing the last four years," Jean said. "We're really, really looking forward to Nixon's term."



(Left to right) Mike Quily, LeeAnn Kenley, and Roger Whitten survey the seating area before the start of the inauguration in Jefferson City.



Left to right, Roneisha Curtis, 12, Breanna Lee, 12, and Chalice Richardson, 13, read their programs as they take their seats before Missouri Gov.-elect Jay Nixon's inauguration Monday in Jefferson City. The Gentry Middle School students came to watch the ceremony with the MAC Scholars program.



A gospel choir sings on the Capitol steps before the arrival of Missouri's new governor during the inaugural proceedings Monday morning in Jefferson City.



National anthem.



An attendee takes a photo of the inaugural ceremony as the crowd waits for the clock to strike noon.



Democrat Jay Nixon shakes the hand of Chief Justice Laura Denvir Stith after being sworn in as Missouri's 55th governor. Nixon took the oath with his hand on a Bible that has been passed down through his family since the late 1700s.



Jay Nixon gives his inaugural address Monday afternoon after being sworn in as the 55th governor of Missouri.



Former Governor Matt Blunt takes one last look at the podium as he is escorted from the inaugural ceremonies with wife Melanie on Monday morning in Jefferson City.