1.   The ceremony has its origins in medieval times.

2.   Does the ceremony have any religious significance?

3.   As it turned out, the ceremony had no marching, swords, pennants, flags, music or cannon fire.

4.   But the ceremony had little meaning for the residents of the former East Germany and East Berlin.

5.   First ESPN announcer Chris Lincoln botches the Kentucky Derby post-position draw and the ceremony has to be redone.

6.   Gay and lesbian ceremonies have no legal standing and are opposed by many conservative Christian organizations.

7.   Given its intention, he said, the ceremony will have a slightly different emphasis than the one held last year.

8.   High-demand events have a four-ticket maximum, and the ceremonies have a two-ticket limit.

9.   On Monday, though, the ceremony had an extra piquancy.

10.   Still, the early ceremony did have its notes of interest.