Security preparations visible along D.C. parade route

Washington, D.C. — I walked over to the White House on my lunch break to see how parade preparations were coming along. Before the familiar landmark came into view I was met with barriers, gates and police tape.

Eric Morath
The State News

Bulldozers set up security barriers Friday along Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House in downtown Washington, D.C. The barriers are just one visible symbol of the upcoming inauguration ceremonies next week.

Bulldozers and construction crews were busy Thursday setting up a security perimeter on the north side of Lafayette Square, about two blocks from the White House.

Around the corner, pedestrians could peer down the now-closed Pennsylvania Avenue to see the beginning of the parade route. Bleaches rise up on either side of the street. Above the stands directly in front of the White House is a giant luxury box emblazoned with the presidential seal.

Apparently among President Bush’s last acts in office, he made sure he’d get good seats for this sold-out parade.

Eric Morath is a 2004 graduate and a former State News editor and reporter. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife Amy. Eric is a business reporter for Dow Jones Newswires.