Gov. Robert J. Bentley took his oath of office Monday amidst cheers and shouts of “The doctor is in the house!” The inauguration festivities commenced with a parade led by the Million Dollar Band.
“It was pretty exciting to be a part of history in the making,” said Candace Murphy, a senior color guard member majoring in broadcast journalism. “News cameras were everywhere awaiting the governor’s arrival, and people lined the fences yelling ‘Roll Tide!’ as we passed.”
The red-sequined uniforms of the Crimsonettes glittered and the white plumed hats of the musicians stood tall as the band marched to the beat of the Fight Song. Gov. Bentley, a UA alumnus, and his wife, Dianne, followed directly behind in a black Expedition.
Hundreds of onlookers, scattered over Capitol Hill and the surrounding streets, strained to catch a first glimpse of the new governor as he smiled and waved to the crowd.
“It’s great to see the state of Alabama elect good public service citizens,” Honorary Consul General of Japan Elmer B. Harris said. “We have a group here that will make a positive difference for many years to come.”
Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Luther Strange, Secretary of State Beth Chapman, State Treasurer Young Boozer and other elected officials followed in various sports cars. John McMillan, the commissioner of agriculture and industries, showed up in a John Deere tractor wearing his coat and tie. Each in turn took his or her oath of office and swore to follow the constitutions of both the United States and the State of Alabama faithfully and honestly. After a 21-gun salute, Bentley stepped to the podium to deliver his inaugural address.
“I will never forget, no matter what my official title may be, that I am a servant of the people,” Bentley said. “I will defend our right to govern ourselves and make our own laws without federal government interference.”
Bentley pointed out that he is no longer the Republican candidate for governor, but the governor of the whole state, regardless of party affiliation, socio-economic status, age or ethnicity. He said the government in Alabama will only serve as an instrument for the protection of those unalienable rights guaranteed by the U.S. constitution.
“Creating jobs is key,” Bentley said. “When Alabama is at full employment, we will have restored hope to thousands of Alabamians. We must make this our focus in every department of state government and be more committed to creating jobs for citizens than keeping our own in the next election cycle.”
Bentley said he will abide by his campaign promise and not receive a paycheck until the state reaches defined full employment.
