National Archives - Federigan

It was a cold and snowy day in Washington DC yesterday and a perfect opportunity to use the outside of the National Archives as a backdrop for an Army promotion ceremony. 

Because of the extreme temperatures and snow we received yesterday, the National Archives employees were placed on a two-hour delayed which meant any ceremonies held inside before the official opening of the museum are canceled.  Unfortunately, this was the circumstance yesterday.  Thankfully Paul Bakery across from the museum was open and able to accommodate.  

Therefore, instead of meeting outside the National Archives we meet inside Paul bakery and then proceeded outside to the Navy Memorial which is located across the street the the Archives. 

You guessed it; it was cold, snowing, and the wind didn't want to be left out of the party.  Major Federigan's coworkers, friends, and family congregated underneath the flags within the Navy Memorial on Pennsylvania Ave.  The ceremony was called to order and one of Major Federigan's daughters sung the National Anthem.

The Presiding Officer gave a quick overview of Major Federigan's military career. 

Despite the cold, there were several smiles and laughs shared.

The most important and exciting time of the promotion ceremony has arrived - time for pinning on to the next rank.  Major Federigan was pinned on to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel by his wife and father. 

Lieutenant Colonel Federigan's military shirt insignia was pinned on by his two daughters.

Lt Col Federigan was then administered the Oath of Office in the presence of his family.  This was a special moment for his family.  With his previous promotions, his wife, daughters, and extended family were unable to attend his ceremonies.  Therefore, this promotion ceremony was extremely special.

After the Oath, Lt Col Federigan offered remarks about his promotion ceremony and thanked his friends and family for attending his ceremony.

Once the ceremony was complete, Lt Col Federigan's family, friends, and coworkers went inside Paul Bakery for a reception.  Lt Col Federigan and his wife cut his promotion cake with their family's Saber.  A Saber is a heavy cavalry sword with a curved blade and a single cutting edge.  The Federigan family also used their Saber to cut their wedding cake. 

Lieutenant Colonel Federigan, congratulations to you and your family on your promotion.  I wish you continued success with your military career.

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If you're in the Northern Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland area and need to hire a photographer to capture the memories of your military ceremony, I would be honored to speak with you.  I can be reached by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (571) 250-5073.