We feel that in light of the sacrifices being made by the members of the armed services it would be inappropriate to celebrate the Presidential Inauguration in the usual fashion that involves parties and dinners and drinking and dancing. At this time in our nation\'s history, with many of our service men and women being killed and wounded overseas, it is not a time for celebration but rather for sober reflection. The planners of the inauguration are proposing a theme that would honor the men and women in uniform. We feel that removing the festive elements from this tradition would be the best way to honor our troops. Furthermore, we feel that at least some of the $40 million earmarked for the parties and parades could be better spent providing for the protection and safety of those at war. We present this petition in a non-partisan spirit and hope that the celebrations could be replaced by a day of respectful observance of the many sacrifices that are made by our fellow citizens in uniform and their families.