#BidenInauguration

[gov-info]

Amanda Gorman, the Youngest Inaugural Poet, Recites Her Work at President Joe Biden’s Inauguration

Amanda Gorman was the Inaugural National Youth Poet Laureate

Transcript Below:

When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade We've braved the belly of the beast We've learned that quiet isn't always peace And the norms and notions of what just is Isn’t always just-ice And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it Somehow we do it Somehow we've weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken but simply unfinished We the successors of a country and a time Where a skinny Black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president only to find herself reciting for one And yes we are far from polished far from pristine but that doesn’t mean that we are striving to form a union that is perfect We are striving to forge a union with purpose To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man. And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us but what stands before us We close the divide because we know, to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another. We seek harm to none and harmony for all Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we grieved, we grew That even as we hurt, we hoped That even as we tired, we tried That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious Not because we will never again know defeat but because we will never again sow division Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree And no one shall make them afraid If we’re to live up to our own time Then victory won’t lie in the blade But in all the bridges we’ve made That is the promise to glade The hill we climb If only we dare It's because being American is more than a pride we inherit it’s the past we step into and how we repair it We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy And this effort very nearly succeeded But while democracy can be periodically delayed it can never be permanently defeated In this truth in this faith we trust For while we have our eyes on the future history has its eyes on us This is the era of just redemption We feared at its inception We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour but within it we found the power to author a new chapter To offer hope and laughter to ourselves So while we once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe? Now we assert How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us? We will not march back to what was but move to what shall be A country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation Our blunders become their burdens But one thing is certain: If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left with Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the west, we will rise from the windswept northeast where our forefathers first realized revolution We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the midwestern states, we will rise from the sunbaked south We will rebuild, reconcile and recover and every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful will emerge, battered and beautiful When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid The new dawn blooms as we free it For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it If only we’re brave enough to be it

[susanforemanbackstrom]

https://events.democrats.org/event/370705/?referring_vol=512035&rname=Susan&share_context=event_details&share_medium=copy_link&timeslot=2626914 join me for inauguration #bideninauguration #harrisinauguration #democrats https://www.instagram.com/p/CKKXjrrrhgN/?igshid=1lai6ql5nbaf7

[local420afscme]

#barackandmichelle #wakandaforever #bideninauguration https://www.instagram.com/p/CKae5h4sOt4P20CqTZiCmb5rY_GJEqtNtTF6Mg0/?igshid=g549iufnso78

[pmd-mufcdcu2020]

I hope everyone liked how the #Inauguration of 2021 for #JoeBiden the new #President of the #UnitedStates & #KamalaHarris the new #VicePresident of the United States went well - #Inauguration2021, #BidenHarris2021, #BidenHarrisInaugural2021, #BidenHarrisInaugural, #InaugurationDay2021, #BidenHarrisInauguration2021, #InaugurationDay, #BidenInauguration, #BidenHarrisInauguration #BidenInaugural ❤️🇺🇸🏛 it’s starts around 10am et on January 20th, 2021 - Links: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/20/live-biden-inauguration-updates-joe-biden-become-46th-president/4214160001/?build=native-web_i_p, 'This is America's day': Biden inaugurated as 46th president, Harris sworn in as vice president - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/20/biden-inauguration-marks-shift-politics-after-four-years-trump/4218321001/, https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/nation/2021/01/20/washington-inauguration-day-photos-joe-biden/4227781001/?build=native-web_i_p, 'Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire:' Read President Joe Biden's inaugural address - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/01/20/president-biden-address-inauguration-speech-transcript/4217852001/, Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in US history, calls for unity on Inauguration Day - https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/01/19/amanda-gorman-meet-youngest-inaugural-poet-u-s-history/4217887001/, Few people, thousands of flags, massive security: Surreal photos of Washington D.C. before inauguration - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/19/field-flags-security-washington-d-c-quiet-before-inauguration/4209956001/, (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKUPagmB3m8QrzirjOsSZp9wSwCxzJtocviDe00/?igshid=m304ierl2zim

[endyedesonnews]

Joe Biden Has Been Sworn In As The 46th President Of The United States Of America. ..... #joebiden #joebidenmemes #americafirst #kamalaharris #kamalaharris2020 #bideninauguration #edesonamericanews Joseph R. Biden, Jr., has been sworn in as the 46th president of the United States, taking the reins of power at a perilous time in American history and urging a bitterly divided country to unite around defeating the deadliest pandemic in a century. "This is America's day. This is democracy's day," Mr. Biden said in his inaugural address. "Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause. The cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people, has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded." Noting that he was being inaugurated on the Capitol steps just two weeks after it was stormed by a "riotous mob," Mr. Biden said the country has been reminded that "democracy is precious, democracy is fragile, and at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed." Read the full text of Biden's inaugural address Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office shortly before noon, when Mr. Biden officially became president. Mr. Biden addressed the nation minutes after Vice President Kamala Harris was first sworn in, making history as the first woman and person of color to become second in line to the presidency. Mr. Biden takes over at a time of tremendous upheaval and division, fueled both by his predecessor and the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 400,000 Americans. (at Lagos, Nigeria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKUGaa1MLHW/?igshid=g3valsr33l9n

[jaggersp20]

Jagger gettin' in all the action. #BernieSanders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #ShihPoo #Jagger #Jaggster #ShaggyJaggy #JaggyBaby #WeeklyFluff #DogsOfIG #DogsOfInstagram #KatyTexas #KatyTX #January2021 #FeelTheBern #BernieSandersMeme #BidenHarris2020 #BidenInauguration #Inauguration2021 #InaugurationDay #WashingtonDC #Senator #SocialistDemocrat #BernieBros #Bernie (at Katy, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKT-rNVHclU/?igshid=1vzcle97mpjs7

[rebel-girl-queen-of-my-world]

“Being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.” Amanda. Freaking. Gorman. Her poem was the highlight of the inauguration yesterday and embodies the standard I hold this country to. The poem in the following pictures is the one that first made me a fan, “In This Place (An American Lyric)” written in 2017. I believe it was written in the wake of the massive counterprotest in Boston against a right-wing rally happening in the immediate aftermath of Charlottesville and the murder of Heather Heyer. As a public historian and a Bostonian, it truly was a light of hope and strength I needed. @amandascgorman #inauguration #anamericanlyric #poetry #poets #amandagorman #blackwomenwriters #blackwomenpoets #america #bidenharris2020 #bideninauguration #presidentbiden #poetlaureate #youngpoets #blackartists #blackpoets #nojusticenopeace #thisisamerica #blacklivesmatter #hopeforthefuture https://www.instagram.com/p/CKT6ieGM-tr/?igshid=131u4v5oj9rwd

[gov-info]

President Joe Biden Delivers Inaugural Address

Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris. Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, McConnell, Vice President Pence, my distinguished guests and my fellow Americans, this is America's day.

This is democracy's day. A day of history and hope of renewal and resolve through a crucible for the ages. America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge. Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people, has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded.

We've learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.

From now, on this hallowed ground, where just a few days ago, violence sought to shake the Capitol's very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible to carry out the peaceful transfer of power, as we have for more than two centuries.

As we look ahead in our uniquely American way: restless, bold, optimistic, and set our sights on the nation we can be and we must be.

I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here today. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. And I know, I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation. As does President Carter, who I spoke with last night, who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service.

I've just taken the sacred oath. Each of those patriots have taken. The oath, first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us, on we the people who seek a more perfect union.

This is a great nation. We are good people. And over the centuries, through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we've come so far. But we still have far to go. We'll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities, much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain.

Few people in our nation's history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we're in now. Once-in-a-century virus that silently stalks the country. It's taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. Millions of jobs have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice, some four hundred years in the making moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer.

The cry for survival comes from planet itself, a cry that can’t be any more desperate or any more clear. And now a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism that we must confront and we will defeat.

To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America requires so much more than words. It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy: unity, unity.

In another January, on New Year's Day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper, the president said, and I quote, “if my name ever goes down into history, it'll be for this act. And my whole soul is in it.”

My whole soul was in it today. On this January day, my whole soul is in this: Bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause.

Uniting to fight the foes we face: anger, resentment, hatred, extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness and hopelessness. With unity, we can do great things, important things. We can right wrongs. We can put people to work in good jobs. We can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome the deadly virus. We can reward, reward work and rebuild the middle class and make health care secure for all. We can deliver racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world.

I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real, but I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we're all created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonization have long torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never assured.

Through civil war, the Great Depression, world war, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice and setbacks, our better angels have always prevailed. In each of these moments, enough of us, enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward. And we can do that now. History, faith and reason show the way, the way of unity. We can see each other not as adversaries, but as neighbors. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos.

This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge. And unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America. If we do that, I guarantee you we will not fail. We have never, ever, ever, ever failed in America when we've acted together.

And so today at this time in this place, let's start afresh, all of us. Let's begin to listen to one another again. Hear one another see one another, show respect to one another. Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire, destroying everything in its path. Every disagreement doesn't have to be a cause for total war. And we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.

My fellow Americans. We have to be different than this. America has to be better than this. And I believe America is so much better than this. Just look around. Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome, as was mentioned earlier, completed amid the Civil War, when the union itself was literally hanging in the balance. Yet we endured, we prevailed.

Here we stand looking out in 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 marked 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.

Here we stand across the Potomac from Arlington Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace. And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground.

It did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever.

To all those who supported our campaign, I'm humbled by the faith you've placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this. Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart. If you still disagree so be it. That's democracy. That's America. The right to dissent, peaceably, the guardrails of our republic is perhaps this nation's greatest strength.

Yet hear me clearly: disagreement must not lead to disunion. And I pledge this to you, I will be a president for all Americans. All Americans. And I promise you I will fight as hard for those who did not support me as for those who did.

Many centuries ago. Saint Augustine, a saint in my church, wrote to the people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Defined by the common objects of their love. What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans? I think we know. Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honor and yes, the truth.

Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson. There is truth and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders, leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation, to defend the truth and defeat the lies.

Look, I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs. I understand, like my dad, they lay in bed at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering, can I keep my health care? Can I pay my mortgage? Thinking about their families, about what comes next. I promise you, I get it.

But the answer is not to turn inward, to retreat into competing factions, distrusting those who don't look like look like you or worship the way you do, or don't get their news from the same sources you do. We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts. If we show a little tolerance and humility, and if we're willing to stand in the other person's shoes, as my mom would say, just for a moment, stand in their shoes. Because here's the thing about life. There's no accounting for what fate will deal you. Some days, when you need a hand. There are other days when we're called to lend a hand. That's how it has to be. That's what we do for one another. And if we are this way, our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future. And we can still disagree.

My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us, we're going to need each other. We need all our strength to to persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus. We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as One Nation. One Nation.

And I promise you this, as the Bible says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” We will get through this together. Together.

Look, folks, all my colleagues I served with in the House of the Senate up there, we all understand the world is watching, watching all of us today. So here's my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested and we've come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday's challenges, but today's and tomorrow's challenges. And we’ll lead, not merely by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.

We'll be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress and security. Look, you all know, we've been through so much in this nation. And my first act as president, I’d like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent prayer to remember all those who we lost this past year to the pandemic. Those four hundred thousand fellow Americans, moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, neighbors and coworkers. We will honor them by becoming the people and the nation we know we can and should be. So I ask you, let's say a silent prayer for those who've lost their lives, those left behind and for our country.

Amen.

Folks, this is a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy and on truth, a raging virus, growing inequity, the sting of systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America's role in the world. Any one of these will be enough to challenge us in profound ways. But the fact is, we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the gravest responsibilities we've had. Now we're going to be tested. Are we going to step up? All of us? It’s time for boldness, for there is so much to do. And this is certain, I promise you, we will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era.

Will we rise to the occasion, is the question. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must. I'm sure you do as well. I believe we will. And when we do, we'll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story. A story that might sound something like a song that means a lot to me. It's called American Anthem. There's one verse that stands out, at least for me, and it goes like this:

The work and prayers of a century have brought us to this day.

What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?

Let me know in my heart when my days are through.

America, America, I gave my best to you.

Let's add. Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children and our children's children will say of us: They gave their best, they did their duty, they healed a broken land.

My fellow Americans, I close the day where I began, with a sacred oath before God and all of you. I give you my word, I will always level with you. I will defend the Constitution. I'll defend our democracy. I'll defend America and I will give all, all of you. Keep everything I do in your service, thinking not of power, but of possibilities, not of personal interest, but the public good. And together we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides us. The story that inspires us and the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. We met the moment. Democracy and hope, truth and justice did not die on our watch, but thrived. That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forbearers, one another and generations to follow.

So, with purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time. Sustained by faith, driven by conviction, devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts. May God bless America and may God protect our troops. Thank you, America.

[searanchabalonebay]

Taken 2014 in Santiago, Chile #bideninauguration #bidenharris https://www.instagram.com/p/CKSzxq8r5Sq/?igshid=620hor93zf7y

[trrrracey]

A little evening coffee table scrapbooking to process a momentous day and an absolutely disgraceful four years. #scrapbooking #projectlife #projectlife2021 #pocketscrapbooking #paperperson #paperpersonshop #9x12projectlife #memorykeeping #papercrafts #inauguration #bideninauguration #byedon https://www.instagram.com/p/CKSrCYxg0VY/?igshid=2kz5sayoelry

[charliehopper]

SOCIAL DISTANCING DAY 294. 1.&2. Sheep returns on this historic day! Didn’t realize that my wife had planned it, so when we went out for the noon dog walk I was surprised and delighted. “If I had finished knitting my pink cat ears hat, she would be wearing it,” Marj said. 2. Marj made a celebration cake, for later, after we’ve further digested our celebration nachos. 3. At lunchtime, reheated homemade potato soup + smooth inauguration = comfort 4.&5. Kicked off with Gaga, brought home by Ga-Garth. Quite a ride, quite a journey. 6. I don’t know if taking photos of the TV is all that cool, but it just felt necessary to participate somehow. #inauguration #inauguration2021 #inaugurationday #bidenharris #bideninauguration #bideninaugural #sunnyday #optimism #inaugurationduringapandemic #quarantinelife (at Noblesville, Indiana) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKSfFoQL8Kg/?igshid=2m6tahxwk377

[mommylovestech]

. Posted @withregram • @foxla President Biden is calling on Americans to overcome their divisions, declaring that “without unity, there is no peace.” Click on the link in our bio @foxla to watch his full speech. #biden #bideninauguration (at Fox 11 Los Angeles) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKR5UBSAktW/?igshid=fg7lepxdss66

[iihih]

This. This moment between Lady Gaga and Barack Obama. Just after Gaga performed at this morning’s inauguration. #bideninauguration #ladygaga #barackobama #amoment #obamaandladygaga https://www.instagram.com/p/CKRmG1fh9Pu/?igshid=136mrjwpbsgkb

[leslieworks]

Pip pip, cheerio, bugger off, GOOD RIDDANCE!! May we NEVER see the likes of you again! . . . . #bideninauguration #trumpgone #goodriddance2020 #welcomebidenharris #tvsnapshot # (at Kentish Town) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKRffrlAFkC/?igshid=3d3r2i6r3ju9

[delphesdc]

Oh, happy day ! 🇺🇲 #bidenharris2020 #bideninauguration #joeandkamala2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/CKRGGjeh5UJ/?igshid=18riqf6ihn4tt