Wednesday was a huge day for Clif and me, for this country, and, I think, for the world. Despite the assault on the Capitol two weeks ago, we had a lawful transfer of power. Joseph Biden is now the president of the United States.
Finally, finally, Trump, his family, and their entourage left Washington, DC. I could write all kinds of snarky things about his departure, but I won’t.
Instead, I will focus on President Biden’s inauguration ceremony. Despite the restrictions that were put into place because of the raging pandemic and enough security after 1/6 to make the Capitol look like the Green Zone in Baghdad, the inauguration was a joyous, beautiful event filled with firm resolve and hope.
Here are some scenes, clipped from YouTube, that I was particularly struck by.
First, Lady Gaga, who sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” our national anthem. As the comedian Stephen Colbert noted, Lady Gaga looked as though she were wearing a red carpet instead of walking on one. Yes, she did. Lady Gaga is someone who certainly likes to make an entrance. But holy cats can she ever sing. “The Star-Spangled Banner” is not a song for the fainthearted, and Lady Gaga didn’t stumble even once. Indeed, she knocked it out of the park, as the saying goes.
Wednesday was also a day of firsts as Kamala Harris—the first woman, Black, and South Asian—was sworn in as vice president. Even though it has taken too long to have a woman as vice president, this was a proud moment for this country. I hope I live long enough to see a woman sworn in as president.
Then, of course, the main event—Joe Bidden and his uplifting yet honest, plain-spoken words as his speech outlined the many challenges this country faces. And his confidence that this country was up to overcoming those challenges.
The most beautiful, luminous part of the inauguration was when a young poet, Amanda Gorman, delivered her radiant poem, “The Hill We Climb.” When she was done, I wanted to stand up and cheer.
For comic relief, there was Vermont’s Senator Bernie Sanders, one of my favorites, complete with mittens and a practical jacket. Bernie is never anything less than who he is, and for this I am grateful.
Finally Demi Lovato’s soaring song “Lovely Day” from the Celebrating America broadcast, an evening program which followed President Biden’s inauguration.
In the background, as Lovato sings, are faces that are black, brown, white. There are women, men, and children of various ethnicities. This is what America looks like, and we should rejoice.
Notes From the Hinterland 
I agree with everything you say. Let’s hope that Biden will be able to untwist the minds of some of the many fools who live in the USA.
Here’s hoping! But a daunting task.
Loving the Bernie memes everywhere, including on the famous photo of the men on a girder high above the city. I’ve also gone back to see the fireworks and Garth Brooks doing ‘Amazing Grace’ with a sing-along.
Right? A little fun during times that haven’t been that much fun.
I loved Amanda Gorman’s reading or her poem, what a talent she has.
She sure does! And so young.
A fantastic recap of a fantastic Wednesday Inauguration!
The Biden Admin has hit the ground running…not bad for an ‘old’ man (I hope that the unspoken bias against us oldsters will be forever banished – he represents that slice of America IMHO, too, just watch him go!!!)
Many thanks, Laura. Yes, the Biden Administration has hit the ground running. So much to do! Good point about the bias against oldsters.
Re Amanda Gorman, I did stand up and applaud. She is a rock star! Those of us at your northern border are glad to have America back.
Amanda Gorman is indeed a rock star. Lots of hard work to do after the past four years, but at least we have people in charge who have a good idea as to which direction we should be heading.
We stopped work to watch the inauguration and I’m glad we did… especially hearing Amanda Gorman – she’s fabulous. We wondered whether Lady Gaga’s skirt was to ensure social distancing!
Tee-hee! Hadn’t thought of that about Lady Gaga’s skirt. Gosh, that woman can sing.
Hilarious comment about the skirt. A+
The Inauguration has lifted my spirits immensely! Biden and Harris etc have a huge task ahead of them but could not have made a better start. And the sun is shining here (UK) after a big storm – perfect symbolism!
Indeed it is! What a huge, horrible mess Biden and Harris have. At least they have the intelligence and the compassion to deal with it. A huge, huge improvement over the last administration.
So many of us all over the World willing them on! ❤
Wonderful thought!
Yes to all you said. It looked like Lady Gaga was a tiny bit nervous before she started, but wow, her singing, flawless. I’m the kind of person who worries about someone falling down all those steps. First those steep cement steps, and then the carpeted steps.
Right? But no one fell. Thank goodness.
I fell asleep before the evening events started, but woke in time to see John Legend sign at the Lincoln Memorial. Beautiful. Thank you for giving everyone a overview of the day. I actually did applaud when Amanda finished reciting her poem. I thought, because it went so fast and was encompassing that I had missed parts, so I read the whole piece again today, and realized I had heard it all…it was just so much to process in the moment. I will read it again I know.
Such a talented poet!
sure is
It’s a good start, and a lot of hard work ahead for everyone. Hopefully civility and bipartisanship become the norm. It will take all of us.
Yes, it will.
This is a splendid overview. It is good to be able to hope once more …
Thanks, Anne. Sure is!
I woke up on Thursday morning, NZ time, too late to see it live but of course watched bits during the day. So glad it all went well and let’s hope for a better future!
Yes, yes! That’s the wonderful thing about the Internet. You can watch things even when they are over.
Love everything! We will definitely be hearing and seeing more from Amanda Gorman. And my granddaughter is so thrilled to see women in powerful positions: Speaker of the House, Vice President. Don’t you think there’s a good chance, given Biden’s age, that he won’t seek a second term and Kamala will be poised to be the next president! We can hope and work for it!
Many thanks! I think it’s highly likely Kamala will be poised to be the next president. Oh, happy day if she wins!
A momentous day for this country… a turning point for better days to come. Hallelujah!
You bet! Hallelujah is right.
I watched some of the ceremony but not the concert so thank you for the clips.
My pleasure!
A lovely summation of a stunning day. I am still a bit numb from the last four years, but I feel hope and happiness creeping back in to my bones. I do applaud the diversity in all aspects of the day/this administration and Amanda Gorman is a perfect example of why we need such diversity. She’s a star.
Thanks, Jodie. I feel exactly the same way. And Amanda Gorman is a shining star.
Thank you for beautiful overview Laurie! I watched the inauguration live and was deeply moved by the speeches and the hope and resolve expressed in them. Amanda Gorman’ s poem and delivery were electric and I really enjoyed Lady Gaga’s performance too. The world is rejoicing and we look forward with you to the journey ahead 🤗💖 xxx
My pleasure! A very emotional day for us.
Well stated, Laurie. I thought about revisiting the past four years for another blogger, but nope – decided against it. The man isn’t worth my time and he is gone!
May he stay hunkered low in Florida!
Thanks for the clips Laurie, I missed some of the Inauguration, so it was great to see some highlights. You are right Lady Gaga sure can sing! And Amanda Gorman is a great inspiration for young people, such a positive message.
A great day for democracy indeed!
It surely was! Many thanks.
Congratulations to you and all of my American friends!! A long road to go, but an excellent and inspiring start!
Thanks so much! Yes, a very long road, but at least we are now on the right track.
What an auspicious day! and such a celebration!
Thank you for sharing some of your favourite bits. I listened to the anthem – difficult not to be moved to tears.
You must be so relieved that measures are now in place for safety.
I surely am! Thanks, Ju-Lyn.
A joyful collection, Laurie
Thanks, Derrick!
I am so glad you and many of your fellow countrymen are finding cause for hope after such a troubled time. I doubt whether the far right will stop agitating and I don’t envy Biden his ‘to do’ list but at least he will try!
Yes, yes! The Biden Administration has a long, tough road ahead. But at least capable adults are now in charge.
A wonderful start. Congratulations. Hope similar changes happen in other places as well.
Thanks, Rupali!
Hi Laurie, Yes, it was an awesome inauguration. I finally feel like I can breathe again now that it’sl over and we have a rational person in charge. Thanks for sharing all the clips.
Enjoyed the recap and it was a wonderful day filled with so many special moments and Kamala Harris was at the top of my list!!🙂
Same here!
You caught the best of the highlights, Laurie. What a wonderful day with amazing songs, stunning poetry, and a commitment to truth and progress. My heart was/is full of hope. It’s amazing to me that it was only 5 days ago. Here’s to a kinder, healthier, and more prosperous future for all.
Oh, yes!