On January 20th, 2021, President-Elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris got sworn into office in front of the Capitol building. All were wearing masks and doing as much social distance as possible throughout the Inauguration event on that historical Wednesday as President Biden became the 46th President of the United States. Vice-President Harris became the first woman and woman of color and Asian American to be sworn into the position, making an essential point in future history books. Harris was escorted by the Capitol Police officer who protected the Capital building during the protests as the Republicans broke into the building, raided the property, the officer steering the protesters away from the Senate. Both sworn in before noon, Biden proceeded to give a speech that could impact America’s democracy.

“We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts, if we show a little tolerance and humility and we’re willing to stand in the other person’s shoes.” President Biden explained during his first address as Chief of State, the quote found on CNA news. This references the discrimination and racism many people in the United States face, for example, the raids on the Capitol last week. Biden expresses how if the American people come together, ignoring proclaimed differences of race, religious or political views, or personal identities, and show tolerance to each other and humility, it will make the country a better place.

Although President Trump refused to be a part of the Inauguration, leaving on Marine One Wednesday morning, many past Presidents, from the Clintons to the Obamas, attended the event. This included celebrities like Lady Gaga, who sang the national anthem, to twenty-two-year-old poet Amanda Gorman performed her new work, “The Hill We Climb.” Garth Brooks, a country singer, called on the American people to sing a verse with him during his rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Both people in homes as individuals watched the event on television and others who were there with him at the event, giving, as said by the Hollywood Reporter, “A Statement of Unity.”

The 46th Presidental Inauguration focused on all people’s unity across the country and making historical moments as the American government takes a new, hopeful change for a promising future.