The inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris is a historical moment in American history for so many reasons.

Harris is the first female vice president, while simultaneously being the first African American and Asian American in this position. Additionally, Harris is the highest-ranking female in government in the nation’s history, more than one hundred years after American women first gained the right to vote.

Just after America’s surpassing of 400,000 deaths as a result of COVID-19, many Americans are hoping that this could be a turning point for the nation.

The socially distanced, mask-mandated, and heavily guarded ceremony began around 11 a.m.

Briefly after the swearing in of Harris by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Lady Gaga, escorted by the National Guard, performed the National Anthem in celebration of the day’s events. Also featured, Amanda Gorman, the first youth poet ever to perform in an inaugural ceremony, delivered “The Hill we Climb.”

Following, Biden completed the 35-word oath in at 11:49 AM, making him the 46th President of the United States. 

For a large portion of the nation, Biden’s inauguration speech sets the tone for the next four years of his presidency. With themes of hope, unity, and healing, Biden addressed issues including the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, climate change and domestic terrorism. He acknowledged the lost lives and jobs and overall burdens that Americans have struggled with as a result of the virus. 

In addition, he thanked his predecessors in office, including “President Carter… whom we salute for his lifetime of service.”

Biden’s first words as president are crucial during uncertain times, not only to reassure the American people but to reassure our international allies that under his administration, he will work to get the nation back in order.

Starting his term with such strong messages, President Biden made it clear that now more than ever, Americans need to stand together to “end this uncivil war” and come together.