In-town pool report #8: Parade reaches the hour mark

POTUS has stood and saluted off and on during the parade, including as the Vietnam War portion started the Gulf War. Sometimes, he has clapped Mostly, he’s been seated with his hands clasped.

Some other notes on the scene:

Two M1/A2 Abrams tanks are positioned in front of the reviewing area (according to our military attache).

The reviewing stand is covered by a large awning that bears the logo of the U.S. Army. The president and members of the Cabinet are seated on it behind bullet-proof glass.

As the UFC was announced as a sponsor, the special guest section clapped and cheered loudly. Earlier, Lockheed Martin also received timid cheers. When Coinbase was announced, they crowd started laughing.

As the Global War on Terror section got underway, there was an immediate shift in the energy. The announcer quieted and loud rock music began playing for several minutes.

For those interested in VP Vance, he’s seated on the opposite side of the stage from POTUS. His youngest, Mirabel, is resting in his wife Usha’s arms. Vance’s oldest child, Ewan, seems to be very engaged and has been actively speaking to a military official seated beside him. Vance’s middle child, Vivek, less so. He appears to be drawing or writing.

A couple of rain drops here and there have fallen on the open area but so far no showers as the parade hits the one-hour mark.

Francesca Chambers

White House Correspondent

USA TODAY

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