WASHINGTON, D.C. — Millions of people watched Wednesday's presidential inaugaration from home, but there was a local face in Washington that witnessed the events first-hand.
January 20, 2021 marks the beginning of now President Joe Biden's term in office.
"I'll remember this day forever. I'm excited to be here, but more than that I am humbled and honored to represent everybody that did something for this campaign," said Mary Duty, the chair of the Democratic Party in McLennan County.
On Monday, Duty flew out of Dallas to Charlotte, North Carolina, and then to Washington, D.C. where she watched the ceremony from the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.
"This election was an extraordinary gathering of people that wanted to have their mark, their say on what kind of country," said Duty.
In her lifetime, she's never attended an inauguration, and Wednesday was much different than those past.
Because of the pandemic, instead of spectators, nearly 200,000 flags filled the lawn outside the National Mall while National Guard Members surrounded the city.
"The National Guard is everywhere. They're young. They look a little nervous, but they're serving. They're doing what they're supposed to be doing," said Duty.
As Duty takes in Wednesday's historic event, she reflects on the importance it brings to future generations.
"When my granddaughter gets older, I want to tell her I did something. A woman has never been vice president, maybe you one day can be president or vice president," said Duty.
As #46 declares he will be the president for all Americans, Duty says now it's time to get to work.
"See that's the sad part, everybody thinks it's over. No, it's just beginning," she said.
