The Inauguration Joseph Biden: 46th President of the United States

After months of uncertainty and upheaval, Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States. On January 20, 2021, politicians and families gathered, masked and socially distanced, of course, to see history be made. Among the crowd were many familiar faces: Barack and Michele Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, George and Laura Bush, amongst many others. Former Vice President Mike Pence also appeared alongside his wife.

One very well known figure chose not to attend the ceremonial services. Former President, Donald Trump, was not present to pass the torch to his successor. Instead, he held a brief conference where he said goodbye and “we love you” to his supporters, before he stepped on to Air Force One for the last time, and he and his family were taken to Florida. He became the first modern President to skip the inauguration of his replacement.

The lack of President Trump did not, however, lessen the grandeur of the inauguration taking place. The historic moment was accompanied by musical performances from Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Garth Brooks. National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman, wrote and recited a stunning poem entitled “The Hill We Climb”, in front of the crowd. She relayed an inspiring message for the incoming administration and for the country.

Not only was this moment historical because of the transfer of power, but more notably, for Kamala Harris breaking tradition and barriers for women of color all over the country. Vice President Harris was sworn in as the first black, Asian-American, female VP in American history. Her authority in government is astonishing and inspiring for every minority, and underrepresented individual, who has dreamed of becoming someone like her. In addition the diverse cabinet is quite notable.

No matter your political leanings, we can all hope for the success of our nation.