It is Inauguration Day south of the border.
The West Front of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. will host the festivities as Democrat Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will take the oath of office as President and Vice-President respectively.
However, for the first time in US history, roughly 25,000 American troops have been guarding the area due to security concerns after a large mob protesting the election results stormed through Capitol Hill on January 6. This means the usual crowds will not be allowed, with everyone watching on camera. Also, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means mandatory face coverings, temperature checks, and social distancing.
Biden will become the oldest president at 78 years and 61 days to take office (NOTE: Ronald Reagan left office at 77 years, 349 days).
Harris will become the first female, first African American, and first Asian American vice president.
Further History For Joe Biden
- The first president from Delaware (although being born in Pennsylvania)
- First former vice president to become president in nonconsecutive terms since Richard Nixon
- Second Catholic President after John F. Kennedy
Ceremony Oaths
Kamala Harris:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
Joe Biden:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God.”
