Minnesota Marine up close at inauguration

KASSON, Minn. (AP) -- While most eyes were fixed on President Barack Obama during the presidential inauguration, a family from Kasson was watching for the Marine standing guard at the door of the White House.

As the first family made their way to the inauguration, Cpl. Adam Bernards and a fellow Marine stood at attention at the White House door. The two saluted the president as he walked by.

Bernards' dad, Jeff, says his son signed up for the Marines at age 17 and left for boot camp after graduating from Kasson-Mantorville High School. He says someone from the White House Communications Center visited boot camp looking for recruits and Bernards seized the opportunity.

KTTC-TV says the 21-year corporal has been working at the White House for about a year.