Alexandria police to march in Spanberger inaugural parade
City's ties to incoming administration grow as three local officials serve on transition team
Alexandria Police Department officers will join law enforcement from across Virginia in the inaugural parade for Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger on Saturday, Jan. 17, continuing a series of connections between the city and the incoming administration.
The Spanberger Inaugural Committee announced Friday that more than 25 groups and organizations will participate in the parade through Capitol Square in Richmond, which begins immediately following the noon swearing-in ceremony for Virginia’s 75th governor.
Alexandria police will march alongside officers from the Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Norfolk Police Department, James City County Police Department, Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, and Virginia State Police as part of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association contingent.
The parade carries the theme “United for Virginia’s Future,” which organizers said reflects Spanberger’s commitment to pragmatic leadership.
“A display of the impressive talent and beauty of every corner of Virginia, our inaugural parade will be a celebration of all that makes our Commonwealth strong,” Spanberger said in a statement.
Three Alexandria officials have played roles in Spanberger’s transition. Sheriff Sean Casey was appointed to the transition committee’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Policy panel in December, joining Mayor Alyia Gaskins and City Councilman Canek Aguirre, who were named to the committee in November.
Other parade participants include the Virginia National Guard, Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, Virginia Professional Fire Fighters and marching bands from J.R. Tucker High School, Richmond Public Schools and Norfolk State University.
The ceremony is open to the public, but seating is limited and tickets are required. Those wishing to attend can register for a ticket lottery at spanbergerinauguration.com. The ceremony will also be televised locally and streamed online.