The Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr.

The Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr. was an impactful, nationally broadcasted event that took place on January 20, 2021. This remarkable and significant ceremony marked the constitutionally mandated commencement of a new four-year term of a President of the United States. In this case, it was the 46th president of the U.S, Joseph R. Biden Jr., and his vice president, Kamala Harris, making history as the first woman, first Black woman, and first woman of Indian descent to hold the office.

The inauguration was held at the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., as is traditional. However, many aspects of this ceremony starkly differed from past inaugurations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the wake of the attack on the Capitol building by a pro-Trump mob just two weeks prior. As such, the event focused heavily on themes of unity, healing, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Preceding Biden’s ceremonial oath to office, various well-known personalities lent their talents to show. Pop icon Lady Gaga sang the national anthem, decorated with a golden microphone and an extravagant red Schiaparelli haute couture gown. Jennifer Lopez performed a medley of "This Land is Your Land" and "America, the Beautiful," incorporating a line from her hit, "Let's Get Loud," and a phrase in Spanish. While country singer, Garth Brooks, delivered a soulful performance of "Amazing Grace."

The crowd, though significantly reduced in size due to the pandemic, was sprinkled with former presidents, lawmakers, and special guests, all appropriately socially distanced and masked. The traditional inaugural parade along Pennsylvania Avenue from the U.S. Capitol to the White House was mostly virtual, presenting a curated parade from communities in all 56 states and territories celebrating America's heroes, highlighting diversity, heritage, and resilience, and reflecting the nation's commitment to the inclusive and vibrant democracy.

The inauguration’s keynote was President Biden's inaugural address, a speech aimed at healing and unity. It was a call for Americans to come together to meet the many significant challenges facing the nation, with a repeated refrain of unity throughout. The newly sworn-in president acknowledged the significant problems the United States is facing, from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic struggles, political divisions, and racial inequalities. Yet, he emphasized optimism and insisted that unity is the only path forward for the nation.

Furthermore, a striking moment of the ceremony came when the country's first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, delivered an original poem, "The Hill We Climb." Her stirring performance marked a moment of hope and reflection, capturing the spirit and challenge of the moment with her powerful words.

In the evening, there was a televised event called "Celebrating America," hosted by Tom Hanks. The star-filled program was a drastic departure from the inaugural balls of previous years. It featured performances from iconic American singers and musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Justin Timberlake. The show highlighted stories of everyday Americans dealing with a global pandemic, economic crisis, and political divisions.

The Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden Jr. was a remarkable convergence of solemn traditions, groundbreaking moments, and unusual circumstances. The event sets the tone for the Biden presidency as one seeking unity, healing, and the affirmation of democracy. Despite the trials and tribulations of the moment, the events of the day both honored tradition and boldly declared a desire for positive change. It was a memorable start to a new chapter in American history.