Biden inaugurated as 46th president of the United States

Kaylin Moore - Junior, Copy Editor | News

Joseph R. Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States of America around midday on Jan. 20.

The procession began earlier in the day as many well-known guests arrived, including Bernie Sanders and the Obamas. George W. Bush and Mike Pence also attended the event, representing support from the Republican party. Notably, former president Donald J. Trump was not present.

President Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden arrived at the Capitol with Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Father Leo J. O’Donovan led the invocation.

Harris was sworn in first. Her oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who mispronounced Harris’s first name.

President Biden was sworn in at 11:48 a.m. upon a treasured family Bible held by his wife. Chief Justice John Roberts administered his oath. Biden then gave his inaugural address, which highlighted themes of unity and patriotism. He swore to be a “president for all Americans”, referring to both his supporters and opposers. President Biden also led a moment of silence for all victims of COVID-19.

Trump was not mentioned throughout the entire duration of the procession.

After the inaugural address, popular singer Lady Gaga sang a spirited rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Gaga’s dress was adorned with a large golden dove bearing an olive branch, symbolizing peace. Jennifer Lopez then performed a medley of American songs, and Garth Brooks sang “Amazing Grace.”

Amanda Gorman performed a poem titled, “The Hill We Climb,” becoming the youngest poet to recite at a presidential inauguration. The poem addressed the American people and called for unity under the principle of democracy. She ended the poem with the breathtaking lines, “There is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”

The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Reverend Silvester Beaman.

As the party disbanded, Harris and Emhoff waved at the Pences. Dr. Jill Biden took her husband’s hand as they departed from the steps of the Capitol as president and first lady, respectively.