“Here’s my message to those beyond our borders: America has been tested, and we’ve come out stronger for it,” he said. Biden said the country under his administration will work to project strength through alliances, which have been under stress in recent years. The speech, which lasted about 22 minutes, lightly touched on military and national security topics. Any one of these will be enough to challenge us in profound ways.” “We face an attack on our democracy and on truth, a raging virus, growing inequity, the sting of systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America’s role in the world. “Folks, this is a time of testing,” Biden said. The continuing pandemic dominated Biden’s address, with the new President calling on the country to set aside politics and “finally face this pandemic as one nation.” Biden held a moment of silence for the more than 400,000 Americans who have died as a result of the pandemic. The National Mall was blocked off and the crowd was much smaller than usual due to the enhanced security and restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.”īecause of the violence at the Capitol, about 25,000 National Guard personnel were called up to help secure the surrounding area for the ceremony. “And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground. “Here we stand across the Potomac from Arlington Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace,” Biden said. In his speech, Biden sought to reach out to those who did not support him in the election, asking them to give him a chance so they can work together to overcome the nation’s deep divisions. We’ll press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do …, much to repair, much to restore, much to heal, much to build, and much to gain.”īiden and Vice President Kamala Harris took their oaths at a Capitol building that two weeks ago was the site of a violent insurrection while Congress was certifying the election. “And over the centuries, through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we’ve come so far. We are good people,” Biden said in his inaugural address. 20, pledging to unite a country that faces deep internal division and to project strength abroad by repairing alliances. The country has the highest overall death figure, reflecting the lack of a unified, national response last year, when the administration of former President Donald Trump mostly left states to their own devices in tackling the greatest public health crisis in a century.President Joe Biden took the oath of office to become the 46th Commander in Chief on Jan. "We have to fight this together as one people, as the United States of America."Ībout 19% of total global coronavirus deaths have occurred in the United States, an outsized figure given that the nation accounts for just 4% of the world’s population. It's not Democrats and Republicans who are dying from the virus. "We must end the politics and misinformation that has divided families, communities and the country, and has cost too many lives already. The president called on Americans to remain vigilant in fighting the pandemic by continuing to wear masks, observe social distancing and receive vaccinations when it is their turn. (2315 GMT) outdoors at the White House after the president's remarks, bowing their heads somberly.įive hundred lit candles lined the White House steps to commemorate the dead and a military band played a soaring rendition of "Amazing Grace."īiden ordered that all flags on federal properties and military facilities be lowered to half-staff until Friday at sunset to commemorate the dead. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, first lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff marked a moment of silence around 6:15 p.m.
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