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Jackie Gay had the experience of a lifetime recently when she traveled to Milwaukee, Wisc., to fulfill her goal to serve as a delegate for the Republican National Convention.
Gay was at the national event July 14-18 after being elected as a delegate for Congressional District 1, without opposition.
The four-day convention highlighted a different them each day all aimed at focusing on our country.
“There was a lot going on every day,” Gay said. “It was almost overwhelming. But what an experience.”
Gay said one occurrence was certainly unexpected by many — including herself — attending the event.
“We were told as we gathered for the SummerFest Welcome event on Sunday that Trump’s plane had just landed in Milwaukee,” Gay said. “That was just a short time after the assassination attempt. I don’t think anyone expected him to be in Milwaukee that soon. He was at the convention, but was in the wings until Thursday when he accepted the nomination.”
Gay said the event was well organized and was an experience she won’t soon forget.
The themed days for the 2024 RNC held special significance focusing on the plan and vision of Trump should be elected as President in November.
Gay gave a brief view of each day and its theme:
• On Monday (Day 1) delegates had to report to Fiserv Forum for their first session to vote on the business. The delegates adopted the 2024 GOP Platform. President Donald J. Trump and his Vice President pick, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance were formally nominated as the GOP ticket for the 2024 presidential election. During the second session that evening the theme was “Make America Wealthy Again.” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Senator Tim Scott, Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the speakers.
• On Tuesday (Day 2) the theme was “Make America Safe Again.” Other highlights included remarks from former 2024 presidential candidates Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, Senator Marco Rubio, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump, Dr. Ben Carson and Senator Ted Cruz.
• On Wednesday (Day 3) the theme was “Make America Strong Once Again.” JD Vance accepted his nomination for Vice-President and introduced himself. He spoke about the biggest policy failures during the current administration. Gold Star families gave heart wrenching testimonies about the loss of their loved ones in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. Former presidential candidate Governor Doug Burgum spoke briefly about energy security and policy.
• On Thursday (Day 4) the theme was “Make America Great Once Again.” Donald J. Trump accepted his nomination for president. His speech was the longest in US history. He called for party unity and outlined key campaign promises regarding the border and the economy. The culmination of the evening was one great celebration with a record drop of 150,000 balloons. Delegates on the floor had to pop large amounts of balloons to get through.

In highlighting the GOP Platform, Gay noted that our constitutional freedoms and election security must be protected. Our military must be strengthened and modernized. We need to get back to common sense policies and an “America First” economic policy. Our American workers, farmers and industries need protection from unfair foreign competition. We must advocate for reduced taxes to stimulate individual economic freedom. America must once again become the dominant energy producer in the world.

Gay summed up the convention:

“After the attempted assassination on President Trump’s life just two days before convention, delegates were emotionally engaged and fired up and anxious to see our former commander in chief. The convention was one of unity with delegates from all walks of life and ethnicity to nominate our great President Donald J. Trump once again. Without a doubt, the 2024 Republican National Convention will go down as one
of the greatest in history.”

Gay served as the First Congressional District delegate for Escambia, Baldwin, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston Counties as well as a portion of Mobile county. Delegates are responsible for funding their expenses for ballot qualification, travel and lodging.