'President's announcer' feels excitement

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By Jeff Canning

Charlie Brotman, "the president's announcer," will watch the inaugural festivities from the same vantage point he's enjoyed for the past 52 years - atop the press box overlooking the parade.

The native Washingtonian got his first shot announcing for the president of the United States at the opening day for the Washington Senators in 1956 when he introduced Dwight D. Eisenhower to throw out the first pitch.

Since that call, Mr. Brotman has served as the president's announcer for every inaugural parade since 1957, a time frame spanning nine presidents and 13 inaugural parades.

The streak will continue to 10 presidents and 14 parades on Tuesday, as Mr. Brotman has again been given the announcing job.

"Every four years, I try my best to find out who is in charge to offer my help," Mr. Brotman said. "It doesn't matter whether you're a Democrat or a Republican or an independent. It's just now that I have some experience they would ask for my help in organizing it."

Mr. Brotman thinks this inaugural parade could become one of the best.

"Instead of being of a mind of 'been there, done that,' it really is a big deal and my adrenaline is sky-high and I'm looking forward to it more than any other president," Mr. Brotman said.

"We have a new leader with new ideas and new enthusiasm, and I'm excited about him bringing America together."

Another thing that Mr. Brotman thinks will make the parade stand out is the extensive planning the Presidential Inaugural Committee is putting into the events.

Committee spokesman Kevin Griffis said the committee was very glad to have Mr. Brotman joining their efforts.