On the 20th of January 2021, the Inauguration of the 46th president, Joe Biden, and vice president, Kamala Harris, was held outside of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. Members of Congress, former president Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, and other familiar faces attended to show their support. 

The ceremony respected and followed the Covid safety guidelines which led to a safe and Covid-free Inauguration. Attendees wore gloves and masks as they sat and witnessed the beginning of Biden’s presidency. 

To the stand, Amy Klobuchar, opened the ceremony with a welcoming statement to the family members, audience, and to the nation, before state senator, Roy Blunt, was introduced. Blunt said his greeting to the nation and then made remarkable statements to the people of America. Blunt then introduced Leo O’Donovan to lead the audience through the invocation as they stood and recited the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Kamala Harris was welcomed to the stand as she recited the oath of office:

“I, Kamala Davey Harris, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, that I will support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of office upon which I am about to enter, so help me God.”

The crowd clapped as she was escorted back to her seat. 

It was then time for Biden and Harris to take the Oath of Justice. Biden and his wife were welcomed to the stand where Biden placed his left palm on the oath board. 

“I, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr, do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will do my best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.”

“Congratulations Mr. President.”

 Amy Klobuchar was welcomed to the stand again as she introduced the United States’ 46th president, Joe Biden, and the audience clapped as he was welcomed to the stand. 

 Biden approached the stand. 

“Lynda McDonnell …Vice president, my distinguished guest, my fellow Americans, this is America’s day,” he recited, “and I pledge this to you, I will be a president for all Americans. All Americans, and I promise you, I will fight as hard for those who did not support me and those who did.” He then closed his speech, “with all our hearts, may God bless America and may God protect our troops.” 

The audience clapped as Roy Blunt was welcomed back to the stand again. He presented the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman. 

 “Mr. President, Dr. Biden, Madam Vice President, Mr. Imhof, Americans, and the world: when they come and see us,” she read and ended with a spiritual line. “Hallelujah glory, hallelujah and strong name of our collective faith amen.”

The audience clapped their hands and remained standing as the armed forces’ color guard retired the national colors, and the president and official party departed from the platform.