CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The sun breaking through the clouds a little during Monday’s inauguration parade welcoming in West Virginia’s 37th Governor Patrick Morrisey.

Several community organizations, the Pride of the Mountaineers, the WVU Marching Band, Marshall University’s Thundering Herd Band, as well as around 20 high school marching bands filled up the Kanawha Boulevard in a procession down to the state Capitol to perform for the new governor on Monday. 

Air Force Technical Sergeant Tyler Mullins was with the color guard made up of several military personnel who were helping to lead the mile-long parade down to the capitol.

“The unit’s great, we’re doing joint, so the Army and Air are both here, so it’s nice to mingle with the other branch, getting to know people, network and what not and support this great event for our new governor,” he said.

He said this is a historical event and they were proud to be taking part in it.

“With the Army and the Air National Guard, we answer the call,” he said. “They said they wanted volunteers and everybody here was first in line for such a big event to support it,” Mullins said.

Kevin Grose was watching his two sons who are in the WVU Band perform.

He said this was their first time marching in a parade of this kind, and it was the first time he himself got a chance to experience a governor’s inaugural parade as well.

“I’m very proud of them, I mean this parade only comes around every so many years and we’re just glad to see them come down and participate, along with the other bands, the high schools and colleges who came here to support the governor and his new job,” he said.

Grose said he’s looking forward to seeing what this change in administration will bring.

“I think the last governor did a good job and I’m looking forward to see what Morrisey can do to continue on and keep West Virginia strong,” said Grose.

Monday’s inauguration parade marked the first in nearly 16 years when Joe Manchin was inaugurated for the second time as governor in 2009.

Everyone’s spirits seemed to be high as they stood by to watch the parade.

Anne Warner, a by-stander and Charleston resident said it’s always good to welcome change in with hope and positivity.

“It’s so exciting to be a part of this, it’s hopeful, it’s encouraging, it’s just so many people coming together, working together,” Warner said.

Larry Harris and Clay Hinkley, two other Charleston residents were also standing by to watch the parade and feeling hopeful about what’s to come.

“It’s pretty exciting, especially with the weather breaking like it did,” Harris said.

“Especially since we have another republican governor going into office,” added Hinkley. “Looking forward to him being in office and Trump being in office again.”

And the warmer weather Monday was just an added relief Mullins said before stepping off on the parade route down to the capitol.

“It has been frigid but its warmed up, it’s almost a heat wave now in the 30s, so we’re real thankful for that for the marching portion.”

Following the parade Monday afternoon, Morrisey’s inauguration celebration was going to continue for the remainder of the day at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center with a concert, a dinner, a ball and fireworks.