Two Wareham women will have front row seats (relatively speaking) to history when Donald Trump becomes the nation’s 45th president on Friday.

“Attending a presidential inauguration has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” says Sharon Boyer. “I’m finally going to be able to cross it off my bucket list.”

“Watching it on television wouldn’t be the same,” adds Ilene Klaver. “The enthusiasm of the crowd will be tremendous.”

The friends, who met while serving on the committee that plans the town’s Veterans Day observance, have seats on the main platform close to where Trump will take the oath of office. Both said they are excited to see the peaceful transfer of power when the man they voted for is officially sworn in.

For Boyer, a registered Democrat, this election saw her crossing party lines. Impressed by Trump’s business background, she and Klaver (a registered Independent) said they wanted to see someone take the country in a different direction.

Actually getting the invite took some doing. Boyer says she called close to 50 people, asking how she could secure the tickets, which are free. Boyer said with so much controversy surrounding Trump’s election she guessed tickets would be available. And she was right.

Eventually, Boyer was directed to Marc O’Brien, a legislative aide for State Rep. Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham). With O’Brien’s help, both were given two tickets originally assigned to a U.S. Senator, likely Elizabeth Warren, guesses Boyer.

Both are looking forward to attending the inauguration ceremony and a concert headlined by Tobey Keith, where Trump is expected to make an appearance.

Boyer said she and Klaver will head back to Wareham early Saturday, but not before witnessing history.

“Only a select few people ever get to be as close as we’ll be,” said Boyer. “I just wanted to do this at least once in my life.”