LYNN — Mayor-elect Thomas M. McGee’s parents will not be at their son’s swearing in next week as he becomes the city’s 58th mayor, but Thomas W. and Ann McGee will be there in spirit.
“I’ve felt their presence throughout the campaign,” he said. “They were a big part of my life, they inspired me and made me who I am. I carry them with me everyday and I know they would have been proud.”
Former House Speaker Thomas W. McGee died in 2012, and his wife died a year later.
Despite his sadness, the new mayor wants the inaugural to be a celebration and he’s invited residents to join the party at the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
Among the special guests include U.S. Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, State Auditor Suzanne Bump, and Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy.
City Council President Darren P. Cyr will emcee the event.
Lynn Police and Lynn Fire Department Honor Guards will be accompanied by Sgt. Ned Shinnick and Capt. Kevin Cronin on bagpipes.
McGee and his wife, Maria, and their two children, Katherine and Thomas, will be escorted by Police Chief Michael Mageary; Fire Chief James E. McDonald; Martin Robichaud, U.S. Army; Darryl Bradley, U.S. Marine Corps; Jorge Rodriguez, Army National Guard; George Fitzhenry, U.S. Navy; and Harry McCabe, U.S. Air Force.
The School Committee and City Council will be sworn in.
Presentation of the Colors will be made by Lynn English High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC.
The “Star Spangled Banner” will be sung by Chanta Luk, a 2001 Lynn Classical High School graduate.
Invocation will be delivered by Rev. William Simpson.
The “Salute to America” will be featured by the Lynn Public Schools All-City Band.
“Lenguas,” a poem will be spoken by Gladys Hidalgo from RAW Arts.
Dean of City Council, Richard Colucci, will deliver remarks, followed by the oath of office by Judge Leslie Donahue.
McGee will deliver the inaugural address, followed by the benediction by Rev. Michael Steele.
“America the Beautiful” will be sung by Doreen Murray and Building Bridges Voices for Change, accompanied by Florence Makkers on piano.
The recessional will feature “Flourish for Wind Band” by the Lynn Public Schools All-City Band.
