On Wednesday, 20 January, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Devi Harris will take their oaths of office, instating Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America.
Amid rising COVID-19 cases and concern around possible violence, this inauguration is scheduled to be unlike any other in US Presidential history.
Typically, Congress would distribute over 200,000 tickets among its constituents, and non-ticketed folks would be encouraged to watch the events from the National Mall, as is tradition.
Barack Obama’s historical inaugural events drew more than 1 million attendees while Trump’s 2017 inauguration drew upwards of 300,000 people.
However, with this year’s security and health restrictions in place, Ajay Bhutoria, Vice Chair of the Biden Inauguration Committee, told The Quint that the 2021 inauguration will be reserved to members of Congress and their plus ones.
On Monday, Kamala Harris formally resigned from the Senate, gearing up for the inauguration just mere hours away.
'America United'
The inauguration is to reinforce its theme of 'America United'.
Biden-Harris are to take office amidst an unprecedented time in global and national history. 370,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19, and millions of others are reeling from the economic backlash caused by the global pandemic.
In addition, the storming of the US Capitol on 6 January was a further indication of the political divisiveness that has marked the presidential term of Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump.
“At a time of unprecedented crisis and deep divisions, ‘America United’ reflects the beginning of a new national journey that will restore the soul of America, and give fruition to Biden’s plans of bringing the country together, and creating a path to a brighter future,” Bhutoria told The Quint.
"This inauguration will be a transition point in the history of America, where America will look toward a new chapter in the lives of Americans,” he added.
Joe Biden will be sworn in on the steps in front of the west side of the Capitol building, the same place that became the symbol of insurrection and violence just a week prior.
A Virtual Parade
Unable to follow the tradition of an inaugural parade, Biden and Harris' inaugural committee is producing a television special for the night, allowing Americans to join the parade from their homes.
A 90-minute special, the event will be hosted by Hollywood icon Tom Hanks and will include live performances by Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, among other big industry names.
The Trump Denial
Bhutoria confirmed to The Quint that incumbent President Donald Trump will not be attending Biden's inaugural ceremony.
However, Vice President Mike Pence will be in attendance.
Melania Trump, the outgoing First Lady is also breaking tradition. Unlike those who preceded her, Trump will not be giving incoming First Lady, Dr Jill Biden, a tour of the White House.
These strategic denials have been a monumental dissolution of America's transfer-of-power rituals.
Biden and Kamala Harris' Schedule on Inauguration Day
7.15 pm (IST)
The President-elect and Vice President-elect will attend church service at the cathedral of St. Matthew the apostle with their spouse.
10.30 pm (IST)
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are sworn in as the 46th president of the united states and 49th vice president of the united states. The president delivers an inaugural address.
12.10 am (IST)
President Biden and Vice President Harris will review the readiness of military troops.
12.55 am (IST)
The President, The First Lady, The Vice President, and The Second Gentleman will participate In a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
1.45 am (IST)
The President, The First Lady, The Vice President, and The Second Gentleman will receive a presidential escort to The White House.
3.45 am (IST)
President Biden will sign executive orders and other presidential actions at the Oval Office.
4.15 am (IST)
The President will swear in day one presidential appointees in a virtual ceremony.
7.18 am (IST)
The President, The First Lady, The Vice President, and The Second Gentleman attend the "Celebrating America" inaugural program; the President and the Vice president deliver remarks.
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