Officially an Official

I have now been officially sworn in as a representative of the United States of America. Well, technically I was sworn in seven weeks ago so that I could be paid, but I have now been ceremonially sworn in and by the Secretary of State, no less.

The ceremony was short, but nice and held in the very impressive diplomatic reception rooms on the 8th floor of the State Department. It looks very much like a museum and has trinkets such as Thomas Jefferson’s writing desk and the Treaty of Paris sitting around. There is a tangible sense of weight on your shoulders when you recite an oath to uphold the Constitution while surrounded by so much history and facing the Secretary of State. I think the ceremony had a real impact on all of my colleagues as well as the family and friends in attendance.

For a much better account of the event, please go check out Jennifer’s post.