(GNB Desk): Official events for the 59th Presidential Inauguration will begin on Monday, January 18, 2021, with the National Day of Service and conclude on Thursday, January 21, 2021, with a National Prayer Service. In keeping with public health guidance, travel to any official event is discouraged. All are welcome to participate and view these events from home. The times listed are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will be sworn in on the West front of the U.S. Capitol building. After they take their oaths of office, President-elect Biden will deliver an inaugural address laying out his vision to defeat the pandemic, build back better, and unify and heal the nation.
According to the Schedule:
January 18:
All day: ”United We Serve” National Day of Service
The PIC is partnering with local, state, and national organizations on service events for the National Day of Service on January 18, 2021, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The National Day of Service is an opportunity for all Americans to unite and serve at a time when the global pandemic calls on all of us to work together and support our communities. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at bideninaugural.org/service.
8:00PM: “United We Serve” A Celebration of the National MLK Day of Service
The National Day of Service will culminate in an hour-long celebration that will feature a diverse array of entertainers, inspiring speakers, and stories celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to service. Confirmed participants include Rev. Dr. Bernice King, Martin Luther King III, Aloe Blacc, Chesca, Rep. Sharice Davids, Rosario Dawson, Andra Day, Yo-Yo Ma, Rev. Al Sharpton, Sean Patrick Thomas, Diane Warren, Lynn Whitfield, Bebe Winans, and more.
January 19:
5:30 PM: Nationwide COVID-19 Memorial
The PIC will host a memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19 in cities and towns across the country. A Washington, D.C. ceremony will feature a lighting around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. We are inviting cities and towns across the country to join Washington, D.C. in illuminating buildings and ringing church bells at 5:30 p.m. ET in a national moment of unity and remembrance. Learn more at bideninaugural.org/covidmemorial.
January 20:
TBD: Inaugural Ceremonies
President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris will be sworn in on the West front of the U.S. Capitol building. After they take their oaths of office, President-elect Biden will deliver an inaugural address laying out his vision to defeat the pandemic, build back better, and unify and heal the nation.
TBD: Pass in Review
Following the ceremony, the President-elect, First Lady, Vice President-elect, and Second Gentleman 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.
TBD: Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
The President-elect, Dr. Biden, the Vice President-elect, and Mr. Emhoff will visit Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They will be joined by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, and President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton.
TBD: Presidential Escort and Parade Across America
The President-elect will receive a Presidential Escort to the White House. This 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: Celebrating America Primetime Special
Hosted by Tom Hanks, this 90-minute prime-time program will feature remarks from President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect 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.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee asks that Americans stay home and celebrate virtually. This guide will be updated with more inauguration information as it becomes available. Note the latest travel safety information before planning your visit.On Jan. 11, Mayor Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2021-004 to extend a pause of various activities in the District until Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 at 5 a.m., including indoor dining and museums. Even for those activities that are not paused by Order, the Mayor strongly encourages residents and visitors to be cautious and to limit their exposure to other people so as to limit the spread of COVID-19. You can read the full order online.
Witness history from home as the United States of America welcomes a new commander-in-chief on Jan. 20. If you’re looking for more information about celebrating the presidential inauguration, then check out these commonly asked questions.
When and where is the swearing-in ceremony?
The 46th President of the United States will be sworn in on Wednesday, Jan. 20 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Both the vice president-elect and president-elect will take Oaths of Office, which usually takes place at noon, followed by an inaugural address. In-person attendance is limited to Congress due to safety protocols.
Instead of a traditional inaugural parade, the Bidens will arrive at the White House with a presidential escort consisting of representatives from every branch of the military.
A “virtual parade” showcasing communities across the country will be televised.
A virtual lighting ceremony honoring American lives lost due to COVID-19 will take place on Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Communities across the country are invited to join by lighting buildings and ringing church bells.
There will be a primetime television program hosted by Tom Hanks at 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 titled “Celebrating America” instead of traditional inaugural balls. Participating artists include Ant Clemons, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato and Justin Timberlake.
More information can be found via the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Mayor Bowser’s office also has a dedicated website for the event.
How can I view the new president’s parade route?
Plan to watch the procession from home this year. After being sworn in, the president typically goes on a ceremonial parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the U.S. Capitol to the White House. In the past, the parade has begun at approximately 3 p.m. on Inauguration Day. This year, the Bidens will arrive at the White House with a presidential escort consisting of representatives from every branch of the military. A “virtual parade” showcasing communities across the country will be televised. The parade will begin at approximately 3 p.m. on Inauguration Day. Visit the website of the Presidential Inauguration Committee for more information.
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