Joe Biden And Kamala Harris Sworn In As President And Vice President Of The United States Of America
Just before noon (EST) on January 20, 2021, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. placed his hand on a 127-year-old family Bible, which has followed his entire career, and took the Presidential oath of office to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America." The inauguration ceremony of America's 46th President came just moments after Kamala D. Harris took her oath of office and became the first woman and first person of color to hold the country's second-highest office.
In his inaugural speech to the nation, President Biden outlined his vision to defeat the pandemic, build back better, and unify and heal the nation. “This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge," the leader said. "Unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America. If we do that, I guarantee you we will not fail."
"Today at this time, let's start afresh all of us," the president continued. "Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path. Every disagreement doesn't have to be a cause for total war. We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue. Rural against urban, conservative against liberals."
President Biden's national address culminated the hour-long proceedings that began with an invocation prayer delivered by Reverend Leo O' Donovan and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Andrea Hall — the first African American female captain of the Fire-Rescue Department in South Fulton, Georgia. The National Anthem was sung by none other than American singer, songwriter, and actress Lady Gaga.
While all were impressive, it was the nation's first youth poet laureate and the youngest-known inaugural poet, Amanda Gorman, who stole the show. The 22-year-old told the Associated Press that the poignant lyrics of her poem, “The Hill We Climb," aimed to deliver a message of hope without ignoring “the evidence of discord and division.” Jennifer Lopez provided a strong finish with a medley of patriotic songs that included "This Land is Your Land" and "America the Beautiful."
Following the swearing-in ceremony, President Biden and Vice President Harris and their spouses, made their way to the Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. President Biden and the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, were then escorted to the White House — their home for the next four years.
Though the inauguration of America's 46th Commander in Chief followed the usual tradition, it was like none other experienced before. Due to the security risks following the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol and the raging COVID-19 pandemic, there were no large crowds to greet the incoming leader at the National Mall. Tickets to the inauguration were also limited. Members of Congress, who are usually given a total of 200,000 tickets to distribute to constituents, were only allowed to bring one guest each.
The pandemic also caused the customary inaugural balls to be replaced with a 90-minute live television special. Called "Celebration America," it featured inspiring messages from President Biden and Vice President Harris, tributes to COVID-19 first responders, and performances by a slew of celebrities, including Justin Timberlake and John Legend. The evening's festivities ended with a spectacular fireworks show over the National Mall.
Resources: Wikipedia.org, theguardian.com, NBCwashington, CNN.com
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182 Comments
boomavengers2Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 2:41 pmIron man would have done better. :)
danny-boyFriday, February 19, 2021 at 1:47 pmThe song was awesome!- danny-boyThursday, February 18, 2021 at 1:08 pmI am not really into politics. I dont really care who won the election. If Mr. Biden won, then good for him. And congrats to Mrs. Harris.
osazauheWednesday, February 17, 2021 at 5:07 amGO BIDEN AND HARRIS!!! CHANGE THE USA!!!
maddie_galSaturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:36 amWHOOP WHOOP!!! GO BIDEN AND HARRIS!!- maddie_galSaturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:39 amMan, every time I watch the Katy Perry performance, I get chill bumps!!
azl_amethystThursday, February 11, 2021 at 10:16 amThis is great news! GO BIDEN AND HARRIS!!
epicgamerrrrFriday, February 5, 2021 at 10:11 amI'M NOT A BIG FAN OF MONARCHIES, BUT IF JOE BIDEN WAS KING I WOULDNT COMPLAIN!
crazberFriday, February 5, 2021 at 8:17 amAwesome! I’m so glad we’re having a female Vice President!
luckygoldgurlThursday, February 4, 2021 at 11:42 amRule the world Biden and Harris!!!!
emojiladyFriday, February 5, 2021 at 10:09 amWOOHOO!!!
unicorn87Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 8:38 amyay!!! we've got a good president!!!