Hanks said, "To some, a presidential inauguration is a tradition, an act that marks the commitment of a new four-year term. Yet, in truth, Inauguration Day is more than the swearing-in of the next national leaders. This day is about witnessing the permanence of our American ideal."
Joe Biden Inauguration HIGHLIGHTS: Joe Biden Calls For Unity During His Speech At Primetime Special 'Celebrating America'
Joe Biden became the 46th US President after the 78-year-old Democrat leader took oath at the West Front of the Capitol - the traditional location for presidential inaugural ceremonies. Kamala Harris, 56, made history by becoming the first female, first Black and first Indian American vice president of the United States. Biden's first address emphasised the aspect of bringing the country together which has been visibly divided over political allegiances and misinformation spread to stop the new administration from taking over. With the oath-taking ceremony concluded, the world can hope that the high-octane political drama over the US presidential election results is over.
ABP News Bureau
Last Updated:
20 Jan 2021 08:35 PM
Biden and first lady watch massive fireworks display from the White House
A display of fireworks over Washington, DC, closed out today's Inauguration Day events.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were on the Blue Room balcony above the White House South Lawn watching the fireworks.
After taking the oath of office at the US Capitol earlier today, Biden and his family walked onto the White House grounds for the first time since he became president, as did Kamala Harris — who made history when she was sworn in as the first female, the first Black and first South Asian vice president of the United States.
The new President made unity a focus of his remarks today, as he urged Americans to come together to overcome the many challenges the nation currently faces.
Joe Biden’s First Call with a Foreign Leader Will Be with Justin Trudeau
Biden will speak with Trudeau on Friday. “I expect they will certainly discuss the important relationship with Canada as well as his decision on the Keystone pipeline,” Psaki said. Trudeau today congratulated Biden on his inauguration but also issued a statement saying “we are disappointed” in the US president’s decision to cancel the permit for the Keystone XL, the 1,200-mile pipeline meant to transport crude oil from Canada to Nebraska.
Biden at the Lincoln Memorial: "I have never been more optimistic about America than I am this very day"
Joe Biden struck a note in his address to the United States at the "Celebrating America" concert in the Lincoln Memorial saying he believed the best for the nation was yet to come.
After listing difficulties faced by the US including the pandemic, an economic crisis, racial injustice, the climate crisis, and internal threats to the country's democracy, Biden asked rhetorically if Americans were up for the challenge.
Biden says unity "requires us to come together in common love that defines us as Americans"
President Joe Biden reiterated his call for unity today during his speech at the primetime inauguration special “Celebrating America."
"It is humbling to stand here in this place in front of these sacred words. Humbling out of respect to President Lincoln and the office we now share and is humbling because of you, the American people. As I said earlier today, we have learned again that democracy is precious and because of you democracy has prevailed," Biden said in remarks at the Lincoln Memorial today.
Inauguration Day is about "witnessing the permanence of American ideal," Tom Hanks
According to CNN, Actor Tom Hanks opened the primetime inauguration special “Celebrating America" with words of hope for a new day in the US following the ascendance of President Joe Biden.
Donald Trump "Wrote A Very Generous Letter": Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden said Wednesday that outgoing president Donald Trump had left him a "very generous" letter in the Oval Office, in keeping with tradition.
"The president wrote a very generous letter," Biden told reporters at the White House.
Harris won't move in vice president residence yet
According to CBS, Vice President Kamala Harris won't be moving into the vice president's residence at the Naval Observatory immediately, according to a Harris aide.
She won’t move in just yet to account for the need for some repairs to the home "that are more easily conducted with the home unoccupied."
The move-in date is still to be determined.
Primetime inauguration special "Celebrating America"
According to CNN, President Joe Biden's team is producing a celebrity-filled primetime special tonight in lieu of the traditional celebrations, which have been significantly pared down due to the pandemic.
The special, hosted by Tom Hanks, is set to air live on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and MSNBC from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET. It will feature performances from Jon Bon Jovi, who campaigned with Biden in Pennsylvania, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake and Ant Clemons.
The 90-minute program, titled "Celebrating America," will also feature remarks from the President and Vice President Kamala Harris and will celebrate "American heroes" like frontline workers, teachers, and health care workers, among others.
Later, Biden and Jill Biden will appear on the Blue Room Balcony at the White House.
Biden will be "quite involved" in Covid-19 relief negotiations, press secretary says
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that she expects President Joe Biden will be “quite involved” in Covid-19 relief stimulus negotiations with Congress.
Psaki told reporters, “I expect he will be picking up the phone in the coming days and having more of those conversations."
She added that the package that the Biden administration is proposing is a pivotal part to getting the pandemic under control.
He asked me to ensure we're communicating about the policies across the Biden-Harris administration and the work his team is doing every day on behalf of all American people. There will be times when we see things differently in this room. I mean, among all of us. That's okay. That's part of our democracy. And rebuilding trust with the American people will be central to our focus in the press office and in the White House. Every single day.
White House press secretary: "Rebuilding trust with the American people will be central to our focus"
White House press secretary Jen Psaki held the first news briefing for the Biden administration and said that when she was asked to serve in her new role, President Joe Biden discussed the importance of bringing back "truth and transparency" to the briefing room.
Psaki said Biden works for the American people, and therefore she does, as well.
She went on to outline the President’s activities and executive actions.
US Senate control shifts to Democrats as Georgia pair sworn in
Two Georgia Democrats were sworn in Wednesday as the newest members of the US Senate, handing their party control of the upper chamber just hours after President Joe Biden took office.
With Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock -- who ousted two Republicans in a pair of January 5 run-offs -- being formally seated, the body stood deadlocked at 50-50.
The New Vice President Kamala Harris acted as the tie-breaking vote. Harris, herself a former senator from California, presided over the session just hours after becoming vice president and swore in the two Georgia men and her own replacement, Alex Padilla.
Joe Biden enters White House for the first time as President
President Joe Biden entered the White House while Vice President Kamala Harris was earlier seen at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building after being sworn in at the US Capitol.
They also visited Arlington National Cemetery and were joined by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
A virtual "Parade Across America" is also taking place. Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in president is expected to sign a host of executive orders on the first day of his presidency.
Joe Biden & Kamala Harris Begin Official Duties
Joe Biden walked onto the White House grounds for the first time as President. He was greeted by military members and band with first lady Jill Biden by his side.
Soon after, Kamala Harris was seen entering the Eisenhower Executive Office Building for the first time as the US Vice President.
'The Hill We Climb': Amanda Gorman's poem lauded by Michelle Obama & Hillary Clinton
22-year-old Amanda Gorman became the highlight of the Inauguration Day as she performed her original poem, "The Hill We Climb," becoming the youngest inaugural poet in the nation's history.
"We've learned that quiet isn't always peace and the norms and notions of what just is, isn't always justice," she recited. "And yet, the dawn is ours before we knew it. Somehow we do it. Somehow we weathered and witnessed a nation that isn't broken but simply unfinished."
First ladies Michele Obama and Hillary Clinton took to Twitter to laud her for the recital.
Biden participates in wreath-laying ceremony with Obama, Clinton and Bush
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were joined by former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton are also present at the event.
Biden rides in a car with a "46" plateBiden rides in a car with a "46" plate
In honor of Joe Biden becoming the 46th US president, the secure car he is traveling in today has a double-digit plate: 46.
After the oath-taking ceremony, he traveled to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
Will Defend Constitution, Democracy
"I'll defend the Constitution. I'll defend our democracy. I'll defend America. I'll keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power but of possibilities, not of personal interests but of public good," Biden said.
"Disagreement must not lead to disagreement. I pledge this to you, I'll be president for all Americans. I promise you, I'll fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did," he added.
Snippets Of Joe Biden's First Speech As US President
1. This is America's Day. This is democracy's day. A day of history and hope.
2. Today we celebrate a triumph not of a candidate but of a cause, a cause of democracy.
3. America has been tested a new, and America has risen to the challenge.
4. The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.
5. White supremecy, domestic terrorism we will defeat.
6. I want every American to join me in this cause.
7. I will be president for all Americans
Joe Biden To His Predecessors
"I thank my predecessors from both the parties for their presence at the US Capitol today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation, as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime in service," Biden says.
My Whole Soul Is In This: Joe Biden
President Joe Biden, after signing the oath of office, talked about the importance of unifying the United States, saying "my whole soul is in this." The newly sworn-in US President requested Americans to come together to overcome the extraordinary challenges faced by the nation.
"To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words and requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy, unity," Biden said.
"Uniting to fight the foes we face. Anger, resentment and hatred, extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness and hopelessness. With unity we can do great things, important things," he added.
The will of the people has been heard: Joe Biden
After taking the oath of office, Joe Biden said that the Inauguration Day was a celebration of democracy and that the "the will of the people has been heard".
US President Joe Biden Oath-Taking Speech
Today, we celebrate triumph not of a candidate but of a cause, the cause of democracy. People and will of the people have been heard. We have learned again that democracy is precious, democracy is fragile and at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.
PM Modi Wishes US President Joe Biden
My warmest congratulations to @JoeBiden on his assumption of office as President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with him to strengthen India-US strategic partnership.
My best wishes for a successful term in leading USA as we stand united and resilient in addressing common challenges and advancing global peace and security.
The India-US partnership is based on shared values. We have a substantial and multifaceted bilateral agenda, growing economic engagement and vibrant people to people linkages. Committed to working with President @JoeBiden to take the India-US partnership to even greater heights.
Joe Biden Takes Oath As 46th US President
After much wait, United States got its 46th President as Joe Biden takes oath which was administered by Chief Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. Biden will officially take over White House later in the day.
Kamala Harris Takes Oath As US Vice President
Kamala Harris took oath as the first female Vice President of United States of America on Wednesday. Later in the day, Harris will officially become the first Black and first South Asian vice president. She was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
'Your time': Barack Obama Congratulates Joe Biden
Former US President Barack Obama on Wednesday congratulated his former deputy, Joe Biden, who is also set to take over the top post in a few hours. "Congratulations to my friend, President @JoeBiden! This is your time," Obama tweeted, attaching a photo of them walking out of the Oval Office together.
Obama will join former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush at Biden's inauguration, while outgoing President Donald Trump has already left Washington this morning.
Bidens, Top Congress Leaders Attend Mass Ahead Of Inauguration
Joe Biden, who will become the second Catholic to be the US President after John F. Kennedy, attended mass at the Cathedral of St Matthew the Apostle on Wednesday, ahead of his inauguration.
n a show of unity, the Bidens, and Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, were joined by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, House of Representatives Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, as well a Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer.
Kamala Harris' Historic Inauguration Attire Designed By Two Black Designers
Kamala Harris on Wednesday opted to wear a dress designed by two Black designers for her historic inauguration as the US Vice-president. Her husband and the Second Gentleman, Doug Emhoff was wearing a Ralph Lauren suit. In fact, the President-elect Joe Biden was also wearing a navy suit and navy overcoat by the American designer. Harris, 56, has created history by becoming the first woman, first Black and first Indian-American vice president of the United States.
Leaders Start Arriving At US Capitol
President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff arrive at the US Capitol. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama also arrived at the US Capitol for Joe Biden's inauguration.
Trump's aides Invited To Biden's Swearing-In
Invitations had been sent to several Trump aides, present and former, to attend the farewell ceremony, with each guest allowed to bring five guests in a bid to gather a sizeable crowd. However, with the list comprising many with whom the parting had been acrimonious, it seemed not much attention had been given to vetting it.
Incredible Four Years, Says Trump Before Flying Off
"This has been an incredible four years," he said at a small farewell event at Joint Base Andrews, attended by family members and close aides, before using the presidential jet for one final time - to fly home to Florida's Palm Beach. Addressing his supporters, Trump asserted that he will always fight for you and will be watching and listening. "We will be back in some form," he said.
Donald Trump Leaves White House, To Skip Biden's Inauguration Ceremony
Donald Trump on Wednesday skipped his successor Joe Biden's inauguration and exited the White House for the last time as the US president to board a flight to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, which will be his permanent home after he failed to win his re-election bid. Trump, 74, has already announced that he will not attend the inauguration of Biden as President and Kamala Harris as the Vice President, becoming the first president to skip his successor's inauguration since Andrew Johnson in 1869.
Background
Washington: Democrat leader Joe Biden is all set to take oath as the new President of world's oldest democracy America in hours from now as the outgoing president Donald Trump on Wednesday finally exited the White House for the last time as the US president to board a flight to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, which will be his permanent home after he failed to win his re-election bid. ALSO READ | US Inauguration Day 2021 Livestream: Know India Timing To Watch Joe Biden & Kamala Harris Swearing-In Ceremony
Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States and Kamala Harris will take oath as the first woman Vice President on Wednesday, amidst heightened security concerns after a mob of pro-Trump extremists violently breached the Capitol two weeks ago. Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to 78-year-old Biden just after the clock strikes 12 (local time) at the West Front of the Capitol - the traditional location for presidential inaugural ceremonies.
As per reports, the mega inauguration ceremony will be held under the unprecedented security umbrella of more than 25,000 National Guards, who have transformed the capital into a garrison city, mainly because of the threat of more violent protests by the supporters of Trump, who decided to skip Biden's swearing-in event. It is being said that Biden will take the oath on his 127-year-old family Bible, which will be held by his wife, Jill Biden.
Biden, who is set to become the oldest president in American history, will deliver his first presidential address to the country shortly after taking the oath. The historic speech, with the theme of unity and healing, has been prepared by his Indian-American speech writer Vinay Reddy.
Meanwhile, it is also worth noting that Kamala Harris, 56, will also make history by becoming the first female, first Black and first Indian American vice president of the United States. As per reports, Harris will be sworn in on two Bibles - one that belonged to a close family friend named Regina Shelton and another that belonged to Thurgood Marshall - the country's first African American Supreme Court justice.
ALSO READ | 'See You Soon': Donald Trump Bids Adieu As Joe Biden All Set To Takeover White House
The ceremony is likely to be attended by former presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton. Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton are also said to grace the mega event.
The scaled down inauguration is expected to begin around 11 a.m. with an invocation by Leo Jeremiah O'Donovan, a Jesuit priest who is a close friend of the Biden family. Andrea Hall, the first African American female firefighter to become captain of the Fire Rescue Department in South Fulton, Georgia, will recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lady Gaga will sing the national anthem and Amanda Gorman, who became the country's first Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, will read a poem she has written for the occasion called "The Hill We Climb." She would be followed by a performance by actress-singer Jennifer Lopez.
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