With his hand placed on a Bible that has been passed through generations of his own family, President Elect Joe Biden was sworn into office on January 20th, 2021. Soon after, the very first female Vice President Kamala Harris was also sworn into office. 

Biden highlighted in his inaugural address the history that Harris has made by stating, “Here we stand, looking out on the great Mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream. Here we stand, where 108 years ago at another inaugural, thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote. And today we mark the swearing-in of the first woman in American history elected to national office, Vice President Kamala Harris. Don’t tell me things can’t change.”

To keep this year’s Presidential inauguration covid safe, the streets in front of the Capitol were void of people, no crowd or protestor was to be seen. Even though this event took place without a crowd, America was watching through virtual eyes, as the day was broadcasted live amongst multiple news sources. 

While public attendance was prohibited, the families of both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were there in support. Many former Presidents and First Ladies, such as Barack and Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton,  and George W. and Laura Bush were able to attend. 

Former Vice President Mike Pence was also in attendance with his Wife Karen Pence, however Former President Donald Trump did not attend the inauguration of his successor. 

Another notable, and arguably extraordinary, part of this inauguration event was Amanda Gorman, the nation’s first ever youth poet laureate. Her poem, The Hill We Climb, reached out to the people of America in a moment of solidarity and sincerity, and is worth watching. 

As soon as the ceremony was over, the new administration went to work. Biden signed a total of 17 executive orders on the exact same day as the inauguration, intending to quickly address and reform the national response to the pandemic as well as the national economic decline. 

President Biden also rejoined the Paris Climate Accord and put an end to the travel ban of Muslim and African countries. 

“We’ll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities,” said Biden, also during his inaugural address, “Much to repair. Much to restore. Much to heal. Much to build, and much to gain.” 

All in all, the inauguration of President Joe Biden is one to be remembered, and one to take note of.