Inauguration Week 2021: A daily guide to events



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Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th President of the United States will take place on January 20, 2021.

Amid the ongoing pandemic and following the insurgency on the U.S. Capitol, this year’s celebrations will be radically different from previous inaugurations.

Officials announced that the National Mall and the Washington Monument will be closed to the public on that day, due to security concerns. Americans are encouraged to participate virtually in the celebrations.

In turn, the Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC) announced a wave of events that are expected to air within five days of the inauguration to welcome the start of a new presidency.

America United: An Inauguration Welcome Event – live stream 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET

On Saturday, PIC is hosting an Inauguration Welcome Event to celebrate America’s change makers by reflecting the official theme of Mr. Biden’s inauguration.

The committee said the show “will reflect and honor our history and showcase the incredible diversity of the nation.

The event is expected to feature musical performances, celebrity appearances and remarks by some of the country’s most popular leaders.

Whoopi Goldberg, actor Nik Dodani, comedian and actress Cristela Alonzo, musician Darren Criss, Representative Grace Meng, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Resistance Revival Choir will participate. There will also be a special performance by the Grammy nominated Black Pumas.

Stream live on bideninaugural.org and the Inaugural Presidential Committee’s social media pages.

We The People Concert – 8 p.m.

A first virtual inaugural concert of its kind will take place on Sunday and will be hosted by Keegan-Michael Key and Debra Messing.

It will star Ben Harper, Carole King, will.i.am, Fall Out Boy, James Taylor, AJR, Michael Bivens, Connie Britton, Sophia Bush, Jaimie Camil and Cal Penn.

United We Serve: An MLK National Day of Service Celebration – All Day

Throughout Monday, a National Day of Service and a Celebration of the Day of Service will take place.

On this day, the inaugural committee encourages Americans across the country to volunteer in service to their communities in honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day.

An hour of celebration of the day will take place at 8pm with “a wide range of artists, inspiring speakers and stories celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr” and the Biden administration.

Artists and speakers include Aloe Blacc, Rev Dr Bernice King, Martin Luther King III, Chesca, Rep Sharice Davids, Rosario Dawson, Andra Day, Yo-Yo Ma, Rev Al Sharpton, Sean Patrick Thomas, Diane Warren, Lynn Whitfield and Bebe Winans.

Stream live on bideninaugural.org and the inaugural committee’s social media pages.

Nationwide Memorial and Tribute to Remember and Honor Lives Lost to Covid-19 – 5:30 p.m. ET

A lighting ceremony will take place the day before opening day at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, marking the very first lighting around the pool.

The ceremony will honor the thousands of lives lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic and towns and villages across the country are encouraged to join the memorial by lighting up buildings and ringing church bells.

Opening ceremony – schedule not yet disclosed

President-elect Mr. Biden and Vice-President-elect Ms. Harris will be sworn in at 12 p.m. ET (5 p.m. GMT) at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC.

Mr. Biden will then deliver an inaugural address to outline his vision for his tenure as president.

Lady Gaga is expected to sing the national anthem and Jennifer Lopez will provide a musical performance.

Pass in Review – schedule not yet disclosed

The Pass in Review will take place on the Eastern Front with soldiers.

The procedure is a long-standing military tradition that reflects the peaceful transfer of power to a new president.

Wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery – timing not yet disclosed

Mr Biden and Ms Harris will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in honor of those members of the military who gave their lives in the name of the service.

Former Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton will join the new President and Vice President for the ceremony.

Virtual parade across America – timing not disclosed yet

Mr Biden will receive a presidential escort to the White House on a historic trip to the White House without drawing large crowds and gatherings.

Following the escort, PIC announced a virtual parade across America which will be televised.

“The parade will celebrate American heroes, spotlight Americans of all walks of life in different states and regions, and reflect on the country’s diversity, heritage and resilience as we enter a new American era,” PIC said .

An art exhibit at the National Mall will also feature around 191,500 American flags of varying sizes, including flags representing each state and territory, and 56 pillars of light to celebrate those who can’t attend.

Celebrating America TV Special – 8:30 p.m.

A 90-minute prime-time special titled “Celebrating America” will be hosted by Tom Hanks from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm the night following the opening.

The program will include remarks by Mr Biden and Ms Harris, performances and images of American heroes working to tackle crises across the country.

Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington will present segments throughout the night ranging from stories of young people making a difference in their communities to musical performances.

Foo Fighters, John Legend and Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Ant Clemons and Jon Bon Jovi are scheduled to perform.

Additional performances are also expected to be announced before January 20.

Where can I watch it all?

Programming of the events will be broadcast on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC and also streamed live on PIC social media channels: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch.

Find out where to watch all the Inauguration Day celebrations here.

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