A couple from Branson attended the recent inaugural festivities in Jefferson City.
Glenn Schulz, Alderman for the City of Branson, and his wife, Beth, traveled to the state capitol recently to celebrate the inauguration of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe.
"I originally met then-Lieutenant Governor Kehoe during his gubernatorial campaign stop here in Branson," explained Schulz. "I had the opportunity at El Lago to discuss his views and shared some of our Branson-specific considerations. When he was elected, I contacted Representative Seitz and now-Senator Hudson to inquire about getting tickets to attend Governor Kehoe's inauguration in Jefferson City. To my surprise, I learned that no tickets are required— the public is welcome to attend. So, Beth and I made plans for a two-day trip to Jefferson City with the goal of not only attending the inauguration events, but to use the opportunity to network on behalf of the City of Branson in my role as alderman."
Glenn and Beth began their day with a Salute to Heroes at the State Capitol. Led by Governor Kehoe, the event honored firefighters, police and military heroes. Following the salute, the two visited the convened House of Representatives, before heading to the Capitol lawn to watch the swearing-in of Andrew Bailey as Attorney General, Vivek Malek as State Treasurer, Denny Hoskins as Secretary of State, David Wasinger as Lieutenant Governor and Mike Kehoe as Governor. A highlight of the inauguration ceremony was a performance by the 135th Army Band of the National Guard, a 19-gun salute, and a flyover by National Guard jets.
The afternoon gave Glenn and Beth time to meet with State Representative Brian Seitz (District 156) to discuss legislative priorities for Branson, and meet with Senator Brad Hudson. They also briefly greeted Attorney General Andrew Bailey.
"We had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the governor in the Governor's Mansion," Schulz noted. "I reminded him of our discussion in Branson during his campaign, to which he responded that he remembered his visit that day. He was a very gracious host to hundreds of visitors in his new official home."
The inauguration celebration commenced with the Governor's Ball in the Capitol Rotunda.
Said Schulz, "The event led off with the introduction of the State Senators and Representatives. Representative Seitz and Senator Hudson and their spouses were introduced at the top of the grand staircase and were greeted with applause as they descended the stairs for their official photographs. The event continued with an evening of dancing, featuring the Red Slipper Warrior Band."
Schulz continued, "Beth and I were so honored and humbled to be in attendance at such wonderful events. I had the time to advance Branson-specific topics from the aldermanic viewpoint, and I took the opportunity to invite the 135th Army Band to Branson for a special performance. If you ever have the chance to attend the inauguration day events, we can highly recommend you do so."