The inaugural parade is like an extension of the president's personality, ... Dwight Eisenhower, for example. A conservative guy. A military man. Short and simple was what his inauguration parade was all about.
"Charles J. "Charlie" Brotman" is an United States/American public relations specialist and public address announcer, known for his presentation of United States presidential inauguration/U.S. presidential inaugural parades.
Brotman has been behind the microphone for every inaugural parade in Washington, DC, since 1957, when Dwight D. Eisenhower was sworn in for his second term. Barack Obama's Second inauguration of Barack Obama/second inauguration in 2013 was the 15th consecutive ceremony that Brotman has announced, and his 16th overall.
Prior to taking on his inaugural duties, Brotman had been the stadium announcer at Griffith Stadium, home of the History of the Washington Senators/Washington Senators baseball team. Brotman noted that on Opening Day 1956, Eisenhower was at the ballpark to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Later that year, a White House staffer called Brotman and said Eisenhower was impressed with his work, and he wanted Brotman for the inauguration.
The staffer asked Brotman, "Will you charge a fee? Because our parade budget is very minimal." Brotman responded, "No, as a matter of fact, to be honest, I'd pay you for the honor."
During the presidency of George W. Bush, Brotman also served as the announcer at tee ball games on the South Lawn of the White House.
More Charlie Brotman on Wikipedia.It has nothing to do with Republican or Democrat, who I am or what I am, ... It's just that I'm the guy that's been doing it these many years and they've never done it before.
We're talking about thousands of people who are participating in this thing. Everyone's working overtime to make this baby happen -- and not only happen, but be the best we ever had.
I'm looking right down at the president, and if he lifts his head up he's looking straight at me.
Now I've got my back to him. I'm starting to walk out. Then I hear, 'Now ladies and gentlemen, introducing the United States Marine Corpse band.' I decided I wouldn't even go to the restroom, ... I came right back.
They don't have a lot of floodlights because this is a daytime parade. I'm trying to announce who's coming and I couldn't see anything. It was embarrassing.
For me, to have this opportunity to introduce presidents of the United States -- I'm overwhelmed.
The president's vantage point is ground level, ... Mine is very high. I can see what's coming. He can't. When I announce that the Marine Corps is coming, or this college that he went to is coming, he knows when to stand, when to sit, when to take off his hat, when to salute, when to applaud.
If they're late and the people are waiting, I feel an obligation to keep them entertained somehow, ... I'm not trying to be Bob Hope. But I do feel that if I can keep their minds occupied and keep them somewhat entertained, they'll enjoy themselves more. I'm real serious about spectators having fun. I just feel badly if they come there and leave disappointed.
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