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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Several Cedar County residents recently attended inauguration events for Donald Trump.
Marissa and Colten Benson, Jessica Opfer and Cammie Metheny attended GOP functions in the city, while Izzy Heimes was there as part of the University of Nebraska Lincoln's choir, which performed for the new President.
Heimes was part of the 120-member combined choir that performed during the 60th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20. The students opened the ceremony alongside the United States Marine Band, singing 'One Voice.'
Metheny is the Cedar County Republican Chair. She was invited to the inauguration by Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer.
Marissa Benson is the Cedar County vice chair and District 315 Committeewomen for The Nebraska Republican Party.
Benson said she had an unforgettable week in the nation's capital as a special guest of Nebraska National Committeeman William Feely during the Republican National Committee's (RNC) winter meeting.
Over three days, Benson and Metheny participated in key sessions, including elections and budget meetings, and engaged in networking opportunities at receptions with fellow party members from across the U.S. Among the notable figures they conversed with were RNC Chair Michael Whatley and Co-Chair Lara Trump, discussing crucial topics such as state party activities, leadership initiatives, and fundraising strategies.
Following the RNC meetings, Benson and her husband, Colten, joined various events hosted by the Nebraska Republican Party throughout Washington, D.C., taking in the sights of the city's iconic monuments.
One highlight, she said, was attending the Texas Inaugural Ball, where they mingled with Texas Republicans, including Gov. Greg Abbot.
Though the weather presented challenges with its freezing temperatures, the duo planned with executive members a watch party for fellow Nebraskans in D.C. Benson said that event proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 80 attendees, including members from across Nebraska’s Third District.
That evening, the Bensons and Metheny also attended the 60th sanctioned Liberty Ball as friends of the RNC.
Together with nearly 16,000 others, they celebrated the inauguration with performances from country music star Jason Aldean, the Village People, and a military band before welcoming the 47th president for a speech.
Overall, Benson said she was very pleaased with the week's events.
'The week in Washington, D.C., not only allowed for significant political engagement but also fostered connections and memories that will last a lifetime,' she said.
