NEWSPresident Joe Biden Inauguration Schedule: When Is The Speech, Parade And Inaugural Ball?
Jan. 20 2021, Published 10:02 a.m. ET
Today is the day. Joe Biden becomes the 46th President of the United States this afternoon, and Kamala Harris becomes the first woman to hold the office of Vice President. Here is a look at where and when you will see President Biden and Vice President Harris on Wednesday, January 20. There will be less people, and no inaugural balls, as the incoming administration tries to finally put an end to the ongoing COVID pandemic.
MORNING
The Bidens will attend church service at St. Matthew's Cathedral with top congressional Democrats and Republicans, as per tradition. The couple will not, however, be greeted at the White House as is tradition due to the refusal of the outgoing President and First Lady to participate in this year's ceremony.
10:30 AM
The ceremony begins. This year, viewers will be treated to performances from Garth Brooks, Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga. It will be Gaga who is up first as she performs the National Anthem. All three will be performing in front of 200,000 flags as part of an art display called “Field of Flags," representing the Americans unable to attend due to the COVID pandemic.
11:15 AM
History will be made as Kamala Harris is sworn into office by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The daughter of immigrants and former senator from California will become the first woman, first African-American, first person of color and first person of South Asian descent to hold the office of Vice President.
The country's 49th Vice President will be joined by another historic figure, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. He will be the first male and first person of Jewish faith to hold that position.
NOON
President Biden will be sworn in on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol building. After he takes his oath of office, President Biden will deliver an inaugural address laying out his vision to defeat the pandemic, build back better and unify and heal the nation.
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1 PM
Following the ceremony, the President, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President and Second Gentleman Emhoff will participate in a Pass in Review on the East Front with members of the military. Pass in Reviews are a long-standing military tradition that reflect the peaceful transfer of power to a new Commander-in-Chief.
2 PM
The President, Dr. Biden, Vice President and Mr. Emhoff will visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will be joined by former president Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, former president George W. Bush and Laura Bush and former president Bill Clinton and secretary Hillary Clinton.
3:00 PM
President Biden will receive a Presidential Escort from 15th Street to the White House with every branch of the military will be represented in the escort, including The U.S. Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard, and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard and Fife and Drum Corps from the 3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard.”
4 PM
The Presidential Escort to the White House will be followed by a “Parade Across America,” which will be televised for the American people and feature diverse, dynamic performances in communities across the country.
8:30 PM
The premiere of Celebrating America, a primetime special hosted by Tom Hanks, airs. This 90-minute prime-time program will feature remarks from President Biden and Vice President Harris and include remarks and performances that represent the rich diversity and extensive talent America offers. Celebrating America will feature Ant Clemons, Jon Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Eva Longoria, Demi Lovato, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake and Kerry Washington.
