Gov.-Elect Edwards Releases Details Of Inauguration Plans

BATON ROUGE (AP) — A cannon salute and a military flyover will be part of the inaugural ceremony for Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards when he takes office in about three weeks.

         Edwards' transition office on Friday released the first details of the incoming governor's inauguration plans for Jan. 11, themed "Louisiana First." Events will include a morning mass at Baton Rouge's downtown Catholic cathedral, the inauguration ceremony at midday and a black-tie ball in the evening.

         Only one event is open to the public, the swearing-in ceremony at the Louisiana State Capitol, which begins at 11:30 a.m. There will be a general admission area for those interested in attending.

         Edwards will take the oath of office at noon on the capitol's steps. The oath will be administered by Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Johnson. Louisiana's six other statewide elected officials also will be sworn in during the ceremony.

         The VFW post in Winnsboro is loaning 165 American flags to be displayed for the ceremony. The Louisiana National Guard will provide a 19-round volley of cannon salute, and the Louisiana Air National Guard will conduct the flyover.

         The invitation-only mass earlier in the morning, at St. Joseph Cathedral, will include Edwards' family and friends, state lawmakers, other elected officials and local dignitaries. The mass will be celebrated with bishops from around the state.

         At night, the inaugural ball, also by invitation only, will be held at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge, a local film studio.