2021 Presidential Inauguration

The Presidential Inaugural Address that took place on January 20, 2021 was an historical event like no other. President-elect Joe Biden took the oath to become the 46th President of the United States of America. The importance of this moment for the media was very meaningful because the Press is known as the unofficial check and balance of the government. What the speech details will be a window into what this presidency may become. It is the start of a new way of handling government in Washington D.C. All eyes and ears are ready to make sure the President follows through with what the President said. It is important to be knowledgeable of what he has to say because this speech also allows us to know which way the nation is heading. The intelligence in his choice of words. The elegance of his demeanor. The respect he shows toward citizens. All this is a glimpse of what the next four years will be. President Biden stated that unity is what will help our nation heal. Biden recognized the damage done by the previous president and began by proving that democracy will always prevail. Biden said, “The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded. We have learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy prevailed.” Biden’s bold words resonated with truth because the proof was being watched around the world. Democracy proved itself once again, Biden said, “to restore the soul and to secure the future of America—requires more than words. It requires the most elusive of things in a democracy: Unity. Unity.” President Biden highlighted all the characteristics of America and referenced many of the ideals that have made us a nation respectable and looked-up-to. For over 200 years, America has been a beacon of hope for many and for very specific reasons. Biden said, “our uniquely American way—restless, bold, optimistic— and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be, America the leading force for good in the world.” After World War l, America began to show power and prestige in the world. It continued and became the most powerful nation. The most powerful ideal that led us to this, Biden said, “has been the constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal.” We still fight for this ideal every day and strive to become better and closer to this. President Biden spoke of specific topics and issues that are important for this nation. He considered this as “democracy’s day” in contrast with previous President Donald J. Trump’s view of the office as an extension of his personal power. He spoke of democracy prevailing. “Democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile.” The importance of the transfer of power. Biden declared defiantly that the process has been successful-

ly completed without the previous president’s participation. A clear view of his true character. The new president Biden said, “Unity doesn’t depend on one person, or a party, or a few of us, it takes all of us.” He also spoke of the struggles we have faced as a nation, during peace and during times of war. The constant struggle we have as a nation to seek a more perfect union such as getting rid of political extremism, white supremacy, and domestic terrorism. The inaugural address had a solid tone that resembled other respectable presidents. A speech that inspired images and accomplishments that made the young want to strive to become president. Biden’s words drew images of George Washington taking the first oath and imagining every single president taking this same oath. He used the word “patriot” that is a term connected with the nation’s founders to describe previous presidents. Biden also painted us an image with his words about Covid-19 takin as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War ll. He also described the respectable image of The Arlington National Cemetery and said that they were heroes who gave their last full measure of devotion and may they rest in eternal peace, which was a hugely needed demonstration of affection and empathy from our president. Biden also referenced historical events that made an impressive look back at some of the relevant moments in our nation’s history and he also spoke of one that was historical for the first time at this same inauguration. He reminded us about the great Mall where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of his dream. Also, about women’s sufferage Biden said, “Here we stand, where 108 years ago at another inaugural, thousands of protestors tried to block brave women from marching for the right to vote.” He was talking about March 3, 1913—the day before the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson. Black women were stopped by others from marching to the Capitol by others who were against them asking for their right to vote. And the most impressive historical event he spoke of, was one that happened that same day, the swearing-in of the first woman in American history elected to national office—Vice President Kamala Harris. Many inaugural speeches include great quotes and President Biden incorporated a few that impressed many people. Biden quoted Abraham Lincoln when he said in another January in Washington, on New Year’s Day 1863, when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, “If my name ever goes down into history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it.” Biden followed by saying, “My whole soul is in it. Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together. Uniting our people. And uniting our nation.” President Biden highlighted his priorities of his presidency. Biden mentioned a few of his goals that will make our nation a healed nation. He said, “We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again. And we’ll lead not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.” This heroic statement will be repeated and mentioned every time this inaugural address is discussed. Biden ended his speech about what role of government has in addressing the nation’s problems. He spoke of what we as citizens can do to help solve problems. President Joe Biden said, “And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders—leaders who have pledged to honor our constitution and protect our nation—to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.” This Presidential Inaugural Address was very significant and historical. It will enable us as writers to chronicle this moment and remember it as the shift-changing event it will become known as. History will know what side you were on.