A veteran and well-known attorney in the Capital Region is preparing to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, along with his wife and kids.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Tully is travelling to Washington, D.C., on Thursday with his wife Kimberly and their three children. The family says, regardless of who won November’s election, nothing was going to prevent them from witnessing history.
“I think it’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us,” said Kimberly.
Wednesday afternoon, the family was packing bags, preparing to see Donald Trump sworn in as 45th President of the United States. Trump’s election has been polarizing, but not in Tully’s house.
“I am a registered Democrat. Kim is a registered Republican,” said Tully.
Even with protests planned and multiple lawmakers pledging to sit out the inauguration, the Tullys say it’s a privilege to be invited.
“You have to support who our Constitution says is our commander-in-chief,” said Mathew.
The trip has been planned since summer when Mathew, an Albany-based attorney, was invited to the Veterans Inaugural Ball, an event dedicated to service members awarded the Purple Heart. Mathew received his in 2012 after being injured in a suicide bombing while serving in Afghanistan. His service instilled an appreciation of democracy.
“We’ve kind of been very active in having the kids experience different things, and really learning to appreciate America and how we have a peaceful transition of power,” said Mathew.
He and Kimberly say they prioritize out-of-the-classroom history lessons for their kids.
“I hope they feel excited and curious about what comes along with being a president in our country,” said Kimberly.
“I’m excited to go on this trip tomorrow to see Donald Trump be president,” said their young daughter Annamae.
Their attendance is not an endorsement, rather a learning opportunity, they say.
“Not a lot of people have the chance to do this,” said 10-year-old son Kevin.
Over the years, Mathew Tully has met several former presidents, including Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton, as well as Vice President Joe Biden and President-elect Trump.
The inauguration ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. Friday. We will have live coverage throughout the day on Time Warner Cable News.