ARLINGTON, Va., Friday, Jan. 15, 2021—The Arlington County Democratic Committee today announced that a previously publicized socially distanced inauguration celebration will instead be virtual, in response to heightened safety concerns in Washington following last week’s insurrection attempt by right-wing extremists at the U.S. Capitol.
“In the spirit of responsible leadership, Arlington Democrats have made the difficult decision to convert our previously planned, socially distanced, in-person watch party to a virtual Zoom event,” Arlington Democrats Chair Jill Caiazzo said. “We appreciate the service and sacrifice by all local and federal law enforcement during the difficult time—including the Arlington Police Department, Washington Metro Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police, and deployed National Guard units. We’ve regrettably decided that the best way to enable them to focus their full attention on the very real security threats our country faces is for us to stay home and celebrate the historic inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris virtually.”
Virtual Swearing-In Watch Party
Rather than gathering together at previously announced locations in Arlington to witness the swearing-in together, Arlington Democrats now invite anyone wanting to commemorate this historic event to join us on the Zoom video platform beginning at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. Participants should register in advance at THIS LINK to receive login credentials via email.
A previously announced Inaugural Ball Watch Party that Arlington Democrats is co-hosting with Arlington Young Democrats will proceed as previously announced, at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Advance registration also is required for the inaugural ball watch party at THIS LINK.
More details are available at arldemsold.local/inauguration.
Arlington Democrats Undeterred
Despite last week’s violence and the impact it has had on the presidential inauguration, Arlington Democrats vow to remain an important and vocal force for progressive change in Arlington and beyond. “We will not allow the un-American actions of far-right extremists to dictate our agenda or silence our voices,” Caiazzo said. “We’ll channel our anger at the current situation and redouble our efforts to bring about a more prosperous, just, and verdant future.”
In addition to its inaugural activities, Arlington Democrats will support Monday’s Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while the organization’s Black Caucus will host African-American History Month events in February. Arlington Democrats also will hold a particularly meaningful President’s Day Weekend of Action, Saturday, Feb. 13-Monday, Feb. 15. More details will follow.
Commemorative Swag Pack
Even as activities go virtual, participants can celebrate in style with an Arlington Democrats commemorative swag pack. Each pack includes a Biden/Harris bumper sticker; a Biden/Harris inauguration mini flag with car mount; four Biden/Harris inauguration buttons; and sweet treats to relish during the events. Swag packs are available for $50 while supplies last, and will be delivered to Arlington homes by 10 a.m. on Jan. 20. Proceeds will help Arlington Democrats gear up for the 2021 gubernatorial election. Swag packs can be ordered now at http://arldemsold.local/inauguration-swag/.
The Arlington County Democratic Committee (Arlington Democrats) is the official county organization for the Democratic Party of Virginia. Arlington Democrats is open to anyone interested in advancing Democratic candidates, policy priorities and values in Arlington. Learn more at the Arlington Democrats website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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