How long is the inauguration

The inaugural committee is honoring those who stay away with the "Field of Flags," an extensive public art display on the National Mall that will include about , U. There will also be 56 "pillars of light" in honor of all states and territories, the committee said. On Tuesday, Biden and Harris paid tribute to those who died in the pandemic with a "national moment of unity.

The inaugural committee said the event was the first-ever lighting around the Reflecting Pool. Numerous extra security precautions were put in place after pro-Trump supporters breached the Capitol during the electoral vote count. Over 25, National Guard members have been called up to keep the event secure, extra security fencing has been erected near the Capitol, and the White House and numerous streets have been shut down. The National Mall, usually a place for onlookers to gather, has been closed down, a first.

Two groups that had permits for demonstrations agreed to hold them in different areas nearby, and attendees will be screened on their way to the demonstrations. While Biden has pushed back against suggestions to move the event indoors, the threat of violence has forced some changes. A rehearsal originally scheduled for Sunday was delayed until Monday, and then it was briefly interrupted when a small explosion at a nearby homeless encampment caused a security scare. Precautions also forced Biden to scrap his plans to take a ceremonial Amtrak trip to Washington from Wilmington.

After the swearing-in ceremony is completed, Biden and Harris will take part in a Pass in Review with members of the military on the East Front of the Capitol. Pass in Reviews are a military tradition that honor the peaceful transfer of power to a new commander-in-chief, and every branch of the military will be represented.

After the review, Biden, Harris and their spouses will honor the military by going to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where they will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Obamas, the Bushes and the Clintons will attend the wreath laying ceremony, as well. After the wreath ceremony, the Bidens, Harris and Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, will head to the White House for the first time as president, first lady, vice president and second gentleman, the title Emhoff has chosen for his new role.

They will get a presidential escort there, which will include representatives from every branch of the military, as well as the drumlines for the University of Delaware and Howard University — Biden's and Harris' alma maters. That will kick off the virtual "Parade Across America" at p. The parade will also feature heroes from across the country, including Jason Zgonc, 12, an Atlanta trumpeter who played for hospital workers during their break times over the summer to cheer them up.

The grand finale is a star-studded, made-for-TV event called "Celebrating America," which will air at p. The event is being hosted by Academy Award winner Tom Hanks, and Eva Longoria and Kerry Washington will introduce segments of the special, which will include "stories of young people making a difference in their communities.

The inaugural committee said they will perform from "iconic locations across the country. All major networks will carry the inauguration live. NBC News will begin special coverage at 10 a. NBC News Now will stream wall-to-wall coverage beginning at 7 a. I get it. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts. If we show a little tolerance and humility. There are some days when we need a hand.

That is how we must be with one another. My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us, we will need each other. We will need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. We are entering what may well be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus. We must set aside the politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation. We will get through this, together The world is watching today. We will repair our alliances and engage with the world once again. We will lead not merely by the example of our power but by the power of our example.

We will be a strong and trusted partner for peace, progress, and security. We have been through so much in this nation. We will honor them by becoming the people and nation we know we can and should be. This is a time of testing. We face an attack on democracy and on truth. A raging virus. Growing inequity.

The sting of systemic racism. A climate in crisis. Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways. Now we must step up. It is a time for boldness, for there is so much to do.

And, this is certain. We will be judged, you and I, for how we resolve the cascading crises of our era. Will we rise to the occasion? Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world for our children? I believe we must and I believe we will. And when we do, we will write the next chapter in the American story.

They did their duty. Before God and all of you I give you my word. I will always level with you. I will defend the Constitution. I will defend our democracy. I will defend America.

I will give my all in your service thinking not of power, but of possibilities. Not of personal interest, but of the public good. And together, we shall write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity, not division. Of light, not darkness. An American story of decency and dignity. Of love and of healing. Of greatness and of goodness. May this be the story that guides us.

The story that inspires us. The story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history. We met the moment. That democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch but thrived. That our America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forebearers, one another, and generations to follow.

So, with purpose and resolve we turn to the tasks of our time. Sustained by faith. Driven by conviction. And, devoted to one another and to this country we love with all our hearts.

May God bless America and may God protect our troops. Thank you, America. Next Post: A Letter to Dr. Eric S. Next Post. ZIP Code. Scroll to Top. Mayor Bowser's office also has a dedicated website for the event.

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. Capitol to the White House. In the past, the parade has begun at approximately 3 p.

This year, the Bidens will arrive at the White House with a presidential escort consisting of representatives from every branch of the military. The parade will begin at approximately 3 p. Visit the website of the Presidential Inauguration Committee for more information.

Now that you know the ins and outs of the presidential inauguration, check out more Presidential Inauguration content such as what's open, things to do this winter and more.

Walter E.