NATCHEZ — Three area women said their trips to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration of President Donald Trump were a once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Standing on the west side of the U.S. Capitol Building, Janet Sullivan and Nancy Hungerford, both of Natchez, said they were close enough to see and hear the festivities.

“It was a very awesome program,” Sullivan said. “It was one of those times where it is a little surreal and you have to keep mentally pinching yourself. It was a very historical event — not something you get to come out and do very often.”

Hungerford said she had been to Washington, D.C., before, but this trip was special.

“I don’t think I have ever felt the electricity in the air like I have, well, for this entire week,” she said. “It was quite the build up.”

Sullivan said for much of the week, the nation’s capital has been under overcast skies. On the day of the inauguration, a chance of rain was also in play, but Sullivan said when Trump took the oath of office, the clouds parted for the sun.

She said Trump’s speech following his taking the oath was wonderful.

“Of course, I always hung onto every word when he made a campaign speech,” Sullivan said. “I think it is a new day for America, It was a very refreshing day for all of us deplorables.”

Hungerford said his speech set the tone for the administration, and it was a similar message to what was delivered during the campaign. As far as what type of president Trump will be, Hungerford said, “We shall see. I certainly support who the people have selected.”

Sullivan said she believes Trump will be a president who will make many changes to bring the country back to the great place it used to be.

“I think he is going to be inclusive for everyone,” she said. “I think he is a kind and sensitive person.

“I believe we will see a rise in patriotism. I believe we are going to really be proud of our country again.”

Vidalia resident Sheri Rabb also made the trip to Washington D.C., for President Trump’s inauguration.

When Rabb flew into the city Thursday she said the atmosphere was unlike many of the other times she visited the capital.

“It’s a different atmosphere than I’ve ever seen up here,” she said.

Rabb said she was excited to see so many people she knew from Louisiana and Mississippi traveling to see the inauguration.

“Making America Great Again hats were all over the place,” she said.

With all of the festivities, Rabb noted that most of downtown D.C. was shut down to traffic when she arrived. Monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial were also shut down.

Sullivan also noted many of the safety precautions that were taken during the weekend,

“There has been just so much security and a lot of Secret Service and law enforcement around,” she said. “We could not have been in a safer place.”

One aspect of the event Sullivan and Hungerford said they have enjoyed is meeting people.

“It has been very easy to meet people here — everyone has been so friendly,” Sullivan said.

Hungerford said, “We have just met a wide array of people. There are so many culturally diverse people in the city, both for Trump and not for Trump.”

The pair also attended the inaugural parade Friday afternoon and otherwise have been taking in as much of Washington, D.C., as possible.

“We have walked and walked and walked,” Sullivan said, laughing. “It’s all been very interesting. It has been wonderful. It has been absolutely wonderful.”

“I think I can echo and offer an amen to what Janet said,” Hungerford said. “Whether it is inauguration or not, this is a magical city. This is an experience I will never forget. I am so thankful for the opportunity to come with Janet.”