Renee Powers of Clanton has been a part of some major political events over the years, having attended two presidential inaugurations and three Republican National Conventions.

The most recent and memorable for her was the trip that she made to Washington D.C. in January to witness President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony live.

According to Powers, as she stood in the crowd and watched the swearing-in ceremony take place, she knew that she was watching a piece of American history.

“It was a dream come true,” Powers said. “I was filled with chills and emotion, as I heard the president recite the oath of office.”

It was the second ceremony that she had attended, after also having tickets to the second inauguration of President George W. Bush in 2005.

However, this time around was even more special, as Powers was able to share the experience with her grandchildren.

“As I looked into the eyes of my grandchildren, I realized the direction the country was going in,” Powers said. “This election was key to returning the conservative values.”

She was elected within Congressional District 6 in Alabama to be an alternate delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention that took place in Cleveland.

Leading up to the election, Powers worked with the Mighty Alabama Strike Force, as a grassroots effort to help get Republicans elected.

Powers and her family spent about four days in Washington D.C. and took in several of the festivities, such as Congressman Gary Palmer’s reception, the inaugural parade, as well as other balls and small dinner parties.

Powers had the honor of reading scripture during Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey’s inaugural prayer breakfast.

She took the time to tour the area with her family, which included stops at Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.

“We always look to expand on our trips,” Powers said. “It’s nice to see where our country began and where we are now. It’s all really fascinating.”