John,

Last Wednesday was a day I will never forget. Thanks to the great people of Maryland and our people-powered movement, I was sworn in as your Governor and Aruna was sworn in as your Lieutenant Governor. It was a historic day in our state’s history, and I was honored to share it with 10,000 of you.

For those of you who couldn’t be there, I thought I’d share some of my favorite moments from the day.

[IMAGE: [link removed]]
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Wes and Aruna gathering at the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley memorial in Annapolis to lay a wreath.]

We began Inauguration Day by gathering at the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley memorial in Annapolis to lay a wreath. It is here where two centuries ago, enslaved people arrived in this country against their will. As I was inaugurated the first Black governor of Maryland on the steps of a state capitol built by their hands, this day is a testament to the fact that progress is not inevitable, but progress is possible.

[IMAGE: [link removed]]
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Wes and his family walking hand in hand to the government house to start Maryland’s next chapter.]

Then, we walked hand in hand to government house to start Maryland’s next chapter. Together, we as a state march forward.

[IMAGE: [link removed]]
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Wes' son, James, lead us in the pledge of allegiance.]

My son James lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Dawn and I are so proud of him and his sister Mia — all three of them are my heart, my soul, and my everything.

[IMAGE: [link removed]]
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Wes taking his oath of office on two bibles that day: the bible of Frederick Douglass and the bible of my grandfather, Rev. James Thomas.]

I took my oath of office on two bibles that day: the bible of Frederick Douglass and the bible of my grandfather, Rev. James Thomas. They embody what it means to be a leader and what it means to be an American. As Governor, I am committed to carrying on their legacies.

[IMAGE: [link removed]]
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Picture of Wes' view from the podium at the inauguration.]

I want you to see what I saw as I was inaugurated: this is our state in all its beauty, and this is who I’ll fight for every single day that I have the honor of being your governor.

[IMAGE: [link removed]]
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Image of Wes and his family dancing at The People's Ball.]

Later that evening, we got the party started in Baltimore at The People’s Ball, organized by Dawn and Aruna’s husband David. Together, they put on an amazing celebration featuring the talent, history, and creativity that every corner of our state has to offer — and a whole lot of dancing!

[IMAGE: [link removed]]
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Picture of Wes, Aruna, Dawn & David at The People's Ball.]

I will remember this day for the rest of my life, and I thank you once again for all you’ve done to make it happen. Now, Aruna and I are already hard at work delivering on the promises we made and creating a state where we truly leave no one behind.

Maryland’s future is so bright it is blinding. We will be intentional, inclusive, and disciplined in seizing the opportunities in front of us. Our future starts now.

Elevate,

Wes

Use of military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform do not imply endorsement from the Department of Defense.

By Authority: Wes Moore for Maryland, Mary Tydings, Treasurer
Wes Moore for Maryland
PO Box 50123
Baltimore, MD 21211
United States
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .