Witnessing History: A Minute-by-Minute Guide to the Inauguration

January 20th, 2021, marked a significant moment in American history as Joe Biden took the oath of office, becoming the 46th President of the United States. The inauguration, a centuries-old tradition, is a time-honored ritual that marks the beginning of a new administration and the transfer of power from one leader to another. As the world watched, the streets of Washington D.C. came alive with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and patriotism. In this article, we'll take a minute-by-minute look at the events that unfolded on that historic day, providing a comprehensive guide to the inauguration.

The Inauguration: A Legacy of Celebration and Protest

The inauguration has a rich history, dating back to 1789 when George Washington was first sworn in as the first President of the United States. Over the years, the ceremony has evolved, reflecting the changing times and the country's growth. The inauguration is a celebration of democracy, freedom, and the transfer of power from one leader to another. However, it has also been marred by protests and controversy, as different groups have sought to make their voices heard. This year's inauguration was no exception, with demonstrators taking to the streets to express their views on the new administration.

The Pre-Inauguration Prep

In the days leading up to the inauguration, the city of Washington D.C. went into high gear. Security was tight, with a massive deployment of law enforcement agencies and military personnel. The streets were closed, and roads were shut down, with the National Mall being transformed into a sea of red, white, and blue. The Presidential Inaugural Committee, chaired by Chair Tony Schwartz, worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth and successful ceremony.

The Inaugural Parade

One of the most iconic aspects of the inauguration is the inaugural parade, which takes place immediately after the ceremony. The parade is a celebration of the president's inauguration, featuring floats, marching bands, and other performances. This year's parade was no exception, with traditional figures such as the Marching 115th Infantry Regiment from the Georgia State University Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and a performance by singer Beyoncé, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Ceremony

At 12:00 PM EST, the ceremony began, with the President-elect, Joe Biden, arriving at the United States Capitol Building. He was met by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, who was the first woman, the first Black American, and the first Asian American to serve as Vice President. The two were joined by their families, including son Hunter Biden, and longtime friend and advisor, Barack Obama. The President-elect was escorted to the podium, where he took his place, flanked by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Patrick Leahy.

The Oath of Office

At 12:14 PM EST, the President-elect took the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. The oath is a sacred promise, requiring the president to "faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States," and to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." The President-elect's speech was met with a standing ovation, as he called on Americans to "reach across the aisle" and work together to address the country's challenges.

The Inaugural Address

The President-elect's inaugural address was a call to action, a message of hope and unity. He spoke of the need to heal the country's divisions, to protect the environment, and to address the growing wealth gap. The address was well-received, with many praising the President-elect's words and tone. However, not everyone was pleased, with some critics labeling his speech as too optimistic, and lacking in specifics.

The Guests

The inauguration was attended by a Who's Who of American politics, with members of Congress, governors, and mayors from across the country in attendance. The President-elect was also joined by foreign dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson. The guest list was a reflection of the President-elect's desire to build bridges, and to foster international cooperation.

The Inauguration Day Events

As the day progressed, a range of events took place, from the President-elect's speech to the inauguration of his cabinet members. The inauguration of the Vice President, Kamala Harris, was a highlight of the day, with her becoming the first woman, the first Black American, and the first Asian American to serve as Vice President. The inauguration of the other cabinet members, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, was also marked by a sense of occasion, as the new administration began to take shape.

The Aftermath

As the day drew to a close, the country began to breathe a collective sigh of relief. The inauguration had been a success, with a sense of hope and optimism prevailing. However, the challenges facing the new administration were clear, from the ongoing pandemic to the growing wealth gap. As the President-elect looked out over the sea of faces, he knew that the real work was just beginning.

The Legacy of the Inauguration

The inauguration is a moment of history, a moment that captures the essence of a nation. It is a celebration of democracy, freedom, and the transfer of power from one leader to another. As we look back on the inauguration of 2021, we are reminded of the power of politics, and the importance of civic engagement. The inauguration is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and always a chance for a better future.

The Takeaways

• The inauguration is a centuries-old tradition that marks the beginning of