Presidential parades, star-studded performances and glittering parties typically characterize the day Americans know as Inauguration Day. Add “virtual” in front of these activities, and today, Jan. 20, 2021, Americans will witness an inauguration ceremony like no other. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will be officially sworn into office while maintaining strict protocols put in place amid national health and security concerns. This 59th presidential inauguration will retain some traditional aspects of the ceremony while downsizing and modifying others.
Biden’s inauguration theme will be “America United,” an issue that has been highlighted throughout his campaign. With a new strain of COVID-19 threatening to impact Americans and the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riots putting D.C. on high alert, Biden’s inauguration committee focuses on unifying Americans by keeping them safe at home. The National Mall is expected to be closed today, vacation rental company Airbnb has cancelled many D.C. reservations during inauguration week and barricades have been placed around the White House. President-elect Biden will take oath at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol with severely restricted in-person attendance. Instead of the usual hundreds of thousands of spectators greeting the President-elect on Pennsylvania Avenue after taking oath, a virtual parade will be held on air to commemorate American heroes from various backgrounds that reflect our country’s diversity, heritage and resilience. The Bidens will then receive a presidential escort to the White House led by representatives from all branches of the military.
To compensate for the typical parties and balls that follow an inaugural event, actor Tom Hanks will host a post-inauguration primetime program called “Celebrating America” that features special performances by stars, including Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake and Jon Bon Jovi. President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris are also expected to make remarks on this 90-minute special program airing from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. EST.
Disappointing as it may be to witness the inauguration ceremony virtually, Americans currently have a front row seat to an unprecedented time in history. The restrictions at a ceremony celebrating a quadrennial tradition are designed to keep us safe, but in a few decades, perhaps we’ll be laughing at the bizarre mask-wearing and social distancing we participated in. Right now, we can choose to turn a new chapter of history by staying safe and ensuring safety for future generations.
