“The People’s Inauguration”

A Fairfax County businessman, Earl W. Stafford, is planning a 3-day inauguration event for those who would otherwise not be able to attend.

“Our objective is to bring in a cross-section of society — those who are distressed, those who are terminally ill, those who are socially and economically disadvantaged, those veterans who are wounded and served our country.”

Stafford said the idea was inspired by his deep religious faith and the good fortune that has come his way. The inauguration is an opportunity to remember the less fortunate and remind the country of its traditions of benevolence, he said.

And for those chosen, the event will be free.

The hotel contains 300 rooms and four suites. Stafford wants at least 30 percent of the attendees to come from this “cross-section of society,” with the remained being event co-sponsors or volunteers.