The United States is ready to leave behind the last four tumultuous years of the Trump presidency as it gets set to welcome Joe Biden and Kamala Harris into the White House.
January 20 will see the inauguration of America’s new four year administration that has its task cut out as it deals with the massive surge of the COVID-19 pandemic that the country is witnessing.
Here is what is planned for the new President and Vice-President on Wednesday:
Inaugural Ceremonies
President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will be sworn in on the West front of the US Capitol building. After they take their oaths of office, President-elect Biden will deliver an inaugural address laying out his vision to defeat the pandemic, build back better, and unify and heal the nation.
Following the ceremony, the President-elect, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President-elect, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will participate in a Pass in Review on the East front with members of the military. Pass in Reviews are a long-standing military tradition that reflect the peaceful transfer of power to a new Commander-in-Chief.
Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
President-elect Biden, the First Lady, Vice President-elect Harris, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff will visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will be joined by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, and President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton.
Presidential Escort
President-elect Biden will receive a Presidential Escort from 15th Street to the White House with every branch of the military represented in the escort, including The US Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard, and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard and Fife and Drum Corps from the 3rd US Infantry “The Old Guard.”
The Presidential Escort to the White House will be followed by a “Parade Across America,” which will be televised and feature diverse, dynamic performances in communities across the country.
Celebrating America Primetime Special
Hosted by Tom Hanks, this 90-minute prime-time program will feature remarks from President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and include remarks and performances featuring Ant Clemons, Jon Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Eva Longoria, Demi Lovato, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake, and Kerry Washington.