“Today, we celebrate triumph not of a candidate but of a cause, the cause of democracy…And this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.” These are the words the 46th President of the United States, Joseph R Biden said while addressing the world shortly after taking oath as President at the Capitol in Washington DC on Wednesday.
Biden said, “Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this - bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation.”
As millions watched in anticipation, Biden placed his left hand on the 127-year-old family bible held by his wife Dr Jill Biden and took the oath to fulfil his duties as the President of the United States. Biden created history by becoming the oldest US President in the history of the United States.
Earlier, Vice President-elect Kamala Devi Harris shattered all barriers as she took oath as the first woman Vice President of the United States with her husband, Doug Emhoff by her side. Daughter of immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, Harris became the first Asian-American Vice President.
Biden and Harris were sworn in as President and Vice-President in the presence of their family members, former US Presidents Barack Obama, George Bush and Bill Clinton, along with former Vice President Mike Pence and other senior dignitaries. Former President Donald Trump chose to skip the event making him the first President in 150 years to skip the inauguration of his successor. Trump instead flew to Mar-a-Lago on Air Force One. Reportedly, Trump will be residing in Mar-a-Lago after his presidency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his wishes to President Biden.
Biden and Harris' inauguration was quite different comparing to previous inaugurations. Mainly, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the attack on the US Capitol that took a few weeks ago. Since the US citizens could not partake in the event, two hundred thousand American flags were placed at the Capitol representing the US citizens.
At the inauguration, singer Lady Gaga sang the US National Anthem the Star-Spangled Banner, Jennifer Lopez sang This Land is Your Land and, musician Garth Brooks sang Amazing Grace.
