By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice
A sharp winter chill permeating the Capital City failed to deter Coloradans from gathering Monday in Washington, D.C., to witness history in the making.
For just the second time, and the first time in more than a century, a president serving non-consecutive terms was to be inaugurated. The inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th president was no ordinary affair — it came with its share of surprises, shifting plans and an atmosphere crackling with unpredictability.
Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District on the Western Slope found a unique gathering spot during the inauguration, as U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd’s legislative offices opened their doors to welcome approximately 50 Coloradans. The space became a hub for an impromptu watch party, where applause, prayer, singing, cheers and quiet moments of reflection filled the air.
The event brought together people from across the Centennial state, fostering a shared sense of unity as they commemorated the day.
Those who gathered reflected on how the adversity of the past makes this transition of power so momentous.
Sitting among fellow patriots, Michelle Gray, chair of the Pueblo County Republican Party, reflected on the significance of the inauguration. For her, this historic moment wasn’t just about the political milestone — it was also an opportunity to involve her family, especially her six grandchildren.
“I am here with my family and it’s been fun watching my grandchildren and listening to their questions about the inauguration,” she said.
For Gray, the shared historical moment is an opportunity for learning about civics: “It’s important to start talking about this kind of stuff while they’re young.”
Her grandchildren, ranging in age from 4 to 14, are excited about the inauguration. To make the occasion even more memorable, Gray planned a unique way to celebrate with them.
“Tonight, we’re planning to feast and celebrate. We’re going to have our own inaugural ball at the house,” she shared. “They’re pretty excited about getting dressed up and having a ball in their living room.”
For Jim Sorensen, of Grand Junction, the inauguration marked a shift he described as monumental.
“This is the most important time of our lives,” he declared. “We went from evil to good in just a short period of time. We used to wake up angry every day about what was happening to our children, the borders, the crime and the fentanyl. But now, all of a sudden, that’s going to be addressed.”
Seth McMillen of Rifle shared Sorensen’s enthusiasm, but framed it with a broader perspective.
“He’s not just sharing that vision with like-minded people,” McMillen said. “He really, I truly believe, wants what’s best for every single American.”
Reflecting on the communal experience of watching the inauguration, McMillen noted the emotional atmosphere in Hurd’s offices: “You could have heard a pin drop,” he said. “We broke out in applause and cheers several times. It was such a special experience.”
For Mike and Karen Carnakis of Teller County, the day symbolized unity. Mike pointed to Trump’s purple tie as a deliberate and hopeful gesture.
“The purple tie — because of red and blue to unite everybody — was so symbolic,” he said.
A Desert Storm veteran, Carnakis linked the gesture to a broader sense of shared identity: “We all bleed the same color of red.”
Karen emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration, expressing her hope that opponents of Trump would give him a chance.
“Can you imagine how great our country would be if everyone stood behind him and worked with him?” she asked. “We would be unstoppable.”
Maria Weece from Adams County, in Colorado’s 4th District, knows all too well the cost of losing freedom. A Cuban immigrant, Weece said, “I lost a country, and I’ll be damned if I’ll lose another.”
Weece urges Americans to reconsider President Reagan’s famous words: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
Though Weece agreed with Reagan’s message, she pointed out that the past eight years have offered Americans a valuable lesson. “It’s actually less than that from what we’ve learned,” she added. “We can lose the House in two years, and in four years, the presidency. That’s how quickly it can happen.”
Tonya Van Beber, a product of farming on the plains of Weld County, another 4th District resident and a history teacher for nearly three decades who has also served in the Colorado legislature, drew inspiration from the day’s events and their historical significance.
“This is an enduring nation,” she said. “The fact that he mentions again and again, ‘We the People,’ on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day — unbelievable. If that can’t unify people, I don’t know what will.”
Van Beber also noted the diverse group of supporters she encountered during her trip. “They’re coming from around the world, every nation you can think of, and we get to meet them on the sidewalks, in the buildings, everywhere. It says everything about what this means,” she remarked.
Joanie and Yogi Cherp from Delta County brought a unique perspective shaped by their previous attendance at an inauguration. For Joanie, Trump’s return felt like a turning point.
“It’s more significant because it’s been four years without Trump as our President, and now he’s back and ready,” she said. “The Golden Age of America sounds wonderful – for people to take pride in their country and really live out the American dream.”
Yogi echoed her sentiments, but focused on the practicalities of energy independence and security: “Unleashing the energy sector, securing the border, and addressing crime. These are the things that matter to me as a voter,” he said.
He also emphasized Trump’s growth as a leader.
“It really was a God-guided moment. He’s the president at the right time with the right experience now to make the changes we need.”
As the day concluded, the reflections of those gathered in Washington, D.C., were united by a common thread: hope.
From Maria Weece’s fierce resolve, born of lived experience, to Michelle Gray’s generational focus and celebration, each voice reflected a shared belief in the enduring promise of America.
It was a day of unity, resilience and a recommitment to the ideals that make the nation strong. As Reagan’s words remind us, freedom must be fought for and protected — a charge that so many Coloradans are more than ready to embrace.