The Guy Who Announces The Inaugural Parade

Washington D.C. native Charlie Brotman is 81 years old, and next Tuesday he will stand high above Pennsylvania Avenue and announce his 14th consecutive inaugural parade.

In 1956, Charlie was the stadium announcer for the Washington Senators baseball team. Less than a year after President Eisenhower attended and threw out the first pitch of the '56 season, Charlie got a call from the White House asking if he'd announce the parade for Eisenhower's second inauguration. He has never received a dime for what he calls "the honor" of calling the parade for the new president.

Here & Now's Anthony Brooks talked with Brotman about the experience. Listen (Real Audio) »