After one of the most tumultuous and testing times the United States has ever seen, 2021 starts with a new government era and perhaps the most crucial period of recovery this country has seen. Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on January 20th, 2021. At the ripe age of 78, Biden is the oldest sitting U.S. president in history. Kamala Devi Harris was sworn in as the 49th Vice President of the United States and is the first female, South Asian, and African-American VP. Harris is the highest-ranking female elected official in U.S. history.
Inauguration Day is undoubtedly a moment of great importance for the country. Whether the candidate you voted for won the race or not, it marks the beginning of a new administration that will leave behind a legacy that impacts us all. It is a celebration known for its massive crowds, the new President’s swearing-in at Capitol Hill, and the iconic walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. However, the events over last year and just this month have made this monumental day look quite different. COVID-19 ravaged through the country, taking over 400,000 American lives and counting. These next few months are said to be the most critical as cases continue to soar. In honor of the absent crowds to ring in the Biden-Harris administration, over 200,000 flags were planted in the National Mall to represent those who could not travel to Washington. Yet, it wasn’t just the pandemic that drastically altered Inauguration Day. Only two weeks before Biden’s inauguration, Capitol Hill was compromised, as hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the building, trashing offices and tarnishing the historic landmark’s reputation. It was a tragic moment in U.S. history, as the last time that happened was in 1814. Preparations to defend Capitol Hill ahead of Inauguration Day was priority number one. The Pentagon authorized 25,000 National Guard members to accompany the growing security detail, as fears of violence loomed over Washington, D.C. There was concern that another insurrection might take place on the 20th. Hence, several guards slept on the Capitol building floor to be the first line of defense if something happened. Fortunately, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s inauguration was perfect.
It was a sunny day in Washington, as Biden prepared to take office and make history with Senator Harris. In his inaugural address to the country, Biden emphasized the importance of unity in a time of great divisiveness and strife. He urged the American people to join his cause and work together; whether it’s fighting this ongoing pandemic, defeating systemic racism, or focusing on environmental crises, Biden’s speech was honest and hopeful. Other notable moments throughout the day included Garth Brooks, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry. But it wasn’t the award-winning music icons that stole the show. 22-year old Amanda Gorman, the nation’s first-ever youth poet laureate, captured the hearts of the American people with her mesmerizing poem, “The Hill We Climb.” In this extraordinary piece of work, Gorman expands on the idea of unity while reflecting on the U.S.’ harsh past. Her writing was positive, warm, and beautifully said. A few recognizable faces in attendance at Joe Biden’s inauguration were former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Although Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump was markedly absent, Vice President Mike Pence did attend with his wife, Karen Pence. Despite the circumstances, the inauguration was memorable and served as a turning page for the United States’ political climate.
Not even a full day into office, Joe Biden was already signing off on dozens of executive orders. A few of those included halting funding for the border wall, reversing the travel ban on several middle eastern countries, and beginning the process to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord. For the remainder of January, each day has a theme that will focus on a specific issue Biden plans on tackling before the end of the month. His first full day focused on COVID-19, and it will shift to economic relief, and so on. As the Biden-Harris administration takes root, there will be push back from the other side of the aisle. Not everyone may feel the same about the new President and his second in command. How the next four years will unfold is uncertain. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have a bold agenda, and it won’t be easy to accomplish. There will be disagreements, dissatisfaction, and disappointments. However, I think it’s safe to say that this new power dynamic invites hope and the possibility of togetherness- something we need now more than ever.