Biden takes oath of office in unconventional inauguration
A graphic made by graphic designer and junior Caitlyn Richey depicts the numbers of the presidential inauguration on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Due to COVID-19, this inauguration was different from past years’, as shown in the lower people in attendance. The inauguration occured throughout the day and featured the swear-in ceremony, Biden’s inaugural address, a virtual parade and a concert with celebrity performers.
January 20, 2021
After winning the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden swears into office in the presidential election, as students watch from their classrooms.
“I will defend the Constitution,” president elect Joe Biden said in his inaugural address. “I’ll defend our democracy. I’ll defend America. And I’ll give all, all of you, keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power, but of possibilities. Not of personal interest, but the public good. And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear, of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness.”
In the 2020 presidential election, Biden won against previous Republican President Donald Trump. Biden’s vice president, Kamala Harris, makes history as the first female, first Black, and South Asian vice president.
“May this be the story that guides us, the story that inspires and the stories that tell ages yet to come that we answered the call of history,” Biden said. “We met the moment, democracy and hope, truth and justice did not die on our watch but thrived, that America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forebearers, one another and generations to follow. With purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time, sustain by faith, driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all hearts.”
3 living former presidents in attendance: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama
1 living former president not in attendance: Donald Trump
Amanda Gormon, 22, is the youngest known inaugural poet.
