On January 18, 2009, just two days before the 44th President of the United States took the oath of office, JSA alumni and friends gathered in support of 75 years of youth involvement in government. Over 300 supporters attended the Junior Statesmen Foundation's successful Inaugural Reception and Kickoff to the 75th Anniversary Celebration at the Hotel Monaco in Washington, DC.

The successful fundraiser was co-sponsored by Facebook and the POLITICO. (See our press release for their comments on JSA's 75th Anniversary.)

Among the notable attendees were Mike McCurry, former Press Secretary to President Clinton and Chairman of the Junior Statesmen Foundation Board of Trustees, Robert Gibbs, current Press Secretary for President Obama, U.S. Representatives Jackie Speier (CA-12) and Donna Edwards (MD-4), and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and JSF Board member, Norman Mineta.      

Many former alumni from the DC area attended the event, revived old JSA friendships, and created new ones based on a mutual appreciation for political involvement among the nation's youth. The event was planned by the local JSA Alumni Council and emceed by former Ohio River Valley JSA governor, Dan Meyers. Mike McCurry, who is also a former JSA governor, joined one current governor and 11 former governors for a memorable photo on the podium.

The Junior Statesmen Foundation is looking forward to a year full of celebrating the anniversary and reconnecting with the many students who contributed to JSA over the years.

For more photos from the JSA 75th Anniversary and Inaugural Celebration, click here:

Photos by Joe Tresh.