Photos show the most memorable moments of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris's historic inauguration
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
History was made on January 20, 2021, as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office.
Due to COVID-19 and following the Capitol riots, the ceremony was scaled-down but still maintained its presidential atmosphere as people around the country and the world watched the ceremony.
Photos show the best and defining moments of the 59th inauguration.
The inauguration ceremony for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the Capitol building Wednesday showed a more peaceful and harmonious image of the Capitol that had been attacked by rioters two weeks earlier.
"This is America's day," Biden, now the 46th president of the United States, said in his address after being sworn into office.
US leaders like former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi attended the scaled-down, heavily secured, and socially distanced ceremony.
Former President Donald Trump did not attend the ceremony, breaking a long-standing tradition. However, his vice president Mike Pence was present to pass the torch to Harris, who made history as she was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina justice. Biden made history as the oldest president to take the oath of office.
—Grace Panetta (@grace_panetta) January 20, 2021
The historical event also included a moving poem by the young inaugural poet, 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, and star-studded musical performances from Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Garth Brooks.
From Biden getting sworn in as president to his riveting speech, photos show some of the best and defining moments of the 59th historic inauguration:
Security was ramped up ahead of Inauguration day to ensure a peaceful transfer of power following the deadly attack at the US Capitol on Jan. 6.
Source: Insider
Former President Donald Trump and Melania Trump took their final departure from the White House on Marine One. The duo did not attend Biden's inauguration.
Source: Business Insider, Business Insider
President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff attended mass ahead of the inauguration ceremony. Biden is reportedly the second Catholic president.
Source: NPR
Compared to previous inaugurations, Wednesday's ceremony was scaled down as a result of COVID-19.
Source: Business Insider
Guests wore masks and socially distanced at the event that would usually have more than a million people in attendance.
Source: Business Insider
The nation's new leaders arrived at the US Capitol around 10:30 a.m.
Source: Harper's Bazaar, Today
Former President Barack and former First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at the ceremony.
Source: Business Insider
—Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 20, 2021
Former President George W. Bush and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were also in attendence.
Eugene Goodman, the heroic US Capitol officer from the Capitol riots, escorted Vice President Kamala Harris during the inauguration.
Source: Business Insider
All those in attendance rose with hands over their heart as they listened to the National Anthem.
In a show-stopping, red and black gown, award-winning singer Lady Gaga performed the National Anthem.
Source: Insider
The first Black president and the first Black, South Asian, female vice president say hello as they bump fists in a symbolic moment.
Source: Business Insider
Although Trump did not attend Biden's inauguration, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Second Lady Karen Pence gave Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff a traditional send-off.
Doug Emhoff, the nation's first second gentleman, stood by his wife's side.
Source: Insider
With her hand on Thurgood Marshall's bible, Vice President Kamala Harris was sworn in by the first Latina Supreme Court justice, Sonia Sotomayor.
Source: Insider
Joe Biden is officially sworn in at noon as the 46th President of the United States.
Source: Business Insider
Jill Biden, who has accompanied her husband during his campaign journey, waves after her husband was sworn into the highest office.
The Bidens takes a moment to embrace one another.
Wrapped in all white, Jennifer Lopez sang "This Land Is Your Land" and "America the Beautiful" at the Inauguration adding Spanish lyrics and a line from her song "Let's Get Loud."
Source:Insider
President Joe Biden addresses the nation in an inaugural speech that highlighted overcoming the pandemic and uniting the country as a whole.
Source: Business Insider
Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet in inauguration history, delivered a powerful poem, "The Hill We Climb," that emphasized the future and unity.
Source:Business Insider
Supporters of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris gathered in DC to witness them take office.
They wore masks and flew "Biden, Harris" flags.
Many cried and cheered during Biden's speech.
The "Showtime" marching band from Kamala Harris's alma mater, Howard University, escorted her to the White House.
—NBC News (@NBCNews) January 20, 2021
President Joe Biden pens his signature on the first three documents of his presidency with one being the Inauguration Day proclamation.
Source: CNN
—Josh Wingrove (@josh_wingrove) January 20, 2021
Read the original article on Insider