The inauguration of George W. Bush as the 43rd President of the United States drew lawmakers and dignitaries from all over the world. Mixing in with the other VIPS were Stuart Warner, D.C., chair of the WCA International Board of Governors and Patrick Gentempo, D.C., member of the WCA Board of Directors. Accompanying them were their wives, Theresa Warner, D.C., and Laurie Gentempo.

The four were invited to the historic event as a result of their high level of support for and political involvement in the Republican Party.

Although the event was a festive, fun-filled one, the WCA representatives found time to promote chiropractic and mix business with pleasure. They met with WCA legislative consultant and lobbyist, Jim Albertine and attended a luncheon featuring Andy Card, the new White House Chief of Staff.

They also met with newly appointed energy secretary, Spencer Abraham, former U.S. senator from Michigan, and were present for a special tribute to veterans, attended by Arizona Sen. John McCain, former Senator and Presidential candidate Bob Dole, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vice President Dick Cheney, President Bush, and several other dignitaries.

Drs. Gentempo and Warner also had the opportunity to meet with and hear from Senate majority leader Trent Lott, one of the most influential people in Washington.

Of the inauguration ceremony itself, Warner said, "Even the rain and cold temperatures couldn't dampen people's spirits. The excitement was tangible, and the crowds monstrous."

During the day, the pair also met with the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Christine Todd Witman, New York Governor George Pataki and other state and federal officials.