Governor's inaugural ball takes place on the Norwich University campusA festooned Plumley Armory was the scene of the Governor's Inaugural Ball held Saturday, January 8, 2005, at Norwich University. Despite the inclement weather, the evening gala drew more than a 
thousand friends, supporters and constituents to the Norwich campus to celebrate Vermont Governor Jim Douglas's inauguration.
In the opening ceremonies, the Shock Platoon, Norwich University's drill team, performed the arc of swords, followed by the rifle routine that has won them national acclaim. Following brief remarks, Norwich President Richard W. Schneider presented The Honorable James H. Douglas with an official Norwich football jersey.
By defeating Democrat and Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle, Douglas became the first Republican governor to be re-elected in Vermont since 1982. Over the course of his career, Governor Douglas has received more votes than any other person in Vermont history -- a testament to his appeal to voters of all political persuasions. In the November 2 election, Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie was also re-elected to a second term.
dweggler@norwich.edu, January 2005