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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Inauguration Day will be a Frankfort Reunion for Beshear, Abramson
FRANKFORT, Ky.– It’s been 30 years since Governor Steve Beshear and Lieutenant Governor-elect Jerry Abramson both worked in the state’s Capitol building, but that will all change after they take the oath today to serve in the Commonwealth’s two highest constitutional offices.
“The world has changed a lot since Jerry and I worked in Frankfort together, but neither of us ever stopped working for the betterment of the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “As a united team, we will continue working to move Kentucky forward.”
In 1979, Lt. Gov.-elect Abramson served as General Counsel to then-Governor John Y. Brown Jr., while Gov. Beshear held the position of Attorney General. The two men and their families have maintained a close friendship over the years and are looking forward to celebrating together during the inauguration festivities.
“My family and I appreciate all that state employees and the Frankfort community have already done to make us feel so welcome,” said Lt. Gov.-elect Abramson. “We are very excited to be a part of all of the inauguration festivities.”
This will be the third time participating in a gubernatorial inauguration for the Beshear family. Sons Jeff and Andy were in grade school when their father was sworn in as lieutenant governor in 1983.
The Grand March in the Capitol Rotunda made a big impression on both Beshear boys. “I remember how great Mom looked in her long dress,” Andy said.
“I still remember walking down the staircase to the ball,” Jeff Beshear recalled. “Then, I had to dance with my cousins,” he recalled with a bit of embarrassment.
In 2007, they both introduced their father during the swearing-in ceremony. This year, Andy will serve as the emcee of the swearing-in ceremony, and Jeff will introduce the first lady.
Jeff is a veterinarian and small business owner. He, his wife, Emily, and their son, Nicholas, live in Virginia. Andy, an attorney, resides in Louisville with his wife, Britainy, and their two children, Will and Lila.
The celebration will be a family affair for the Abramsons as well. Although Lt. Gov.-elect Abramson has attended inaugurations in the past, it will be a first for his wife, Madeline, and their son, Sidney.
“Jeff and Andy have been great role models to Sidney,” said Mrs. Abramson. “They have given him advice on what to expect with the inauguration and also as the son of an elected statewide official. He’s just as excited as we are to participate in the inaugural events and to enjoy all that Frankfort has to offer.”
Abramson’s brother-in-law, Rabbi Stanley R. Miles of Temple Shalom in Louisville, will speak at the Inaugural Worship Service that will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Frankfort Convention Center. Stanley is married to Lt. Gov.-elect Abramson’s sister, Sheilah.
Both officials also plan to use Bibles with family and historical significance for their swearing in ceremonies. Gov. Beshear will use the Bible his father used when he preached his final sermon as a Baptist minister. Lt. Governor-elect Abramson will take his oath over the same Bible he used during all five of his swearing in ceremonies as Louisville mayor. The Bible was a gift from his sister and brother-in-law.
First Lady Jane Beshear and Mrs. Abramson are both strong advocates of supporting Kentucky businesses and buying local. The ladies will each be dressed in clothing with Kentucky connections throughout the many events of the day.
Cathy Miller of Lexington designed the suit and gown First Lady Beshear will wear for the day and nighttime events. Miller also designed the gown worn by the First Lady during the 2007 inauguration. Mrs. Abramson will be wearing attire bought at locally-owned shops in Louisville.
For a complete list of inaugural events and times, visit the inauguration website at www.governor.ky.gov/inauguration.
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