WASHINGTON (AP) – The theme for President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration will be ‘America United’, an issue that has long been a central focus for Biden, but an issue that has taken on extra weight following the violence in the Capitol. last week.
In an announcement first shared with The Associated Press, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said the theme “reflects the beginning of a new national journey that will restore America’s soul, bring the country together and create a path to a brighter future.
In keeping with the theme of unity, the commission also announced that after he is officially inaugurated, Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, and their husbands, will lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, and will add there. by former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and their wives. It will be one of Biden’s first acts as president, and a show of duality at a time when the national divide is clearly visible.
The focus on unity has characterized Biden’s presidential run from the start, and he has said repeatedly since winning the White House he sees uniting the country as one of his top priorities as president. But the magnitude – and urgency – of the challenge Biden faces became even more apparent this week after President Donald Trump sparked an armed uprising in the Capitol, spurred by his repeated attempts to delegitimize Biden’s victory..
Trump himself is skipping Biden’s inauguration, a decision Biden said was a “good thing,” although Vice President Mike Pence and his wife plan to attend.
“This inauguration marks a new chapter for the American people – one of healing, of unity, of coming together, of a united America,” said PIC CEO Dr. Tony Allen. It’s time to turn the page in this age of division. The inaugural activities will reflect our shared values and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together than apart, just as our motto ‘e pluribus unum’ reminds us – out of many, one. ”
The committee also announced plans for a large multi-block public art exhibition of the National Mall featuring 191,500 American flags and 56 columns of light, representing every state and territory of the US. After Biden asked Americans to stay home for his inauguration, the “Field of Flags” is intended to represent “the American people who cannot travel” to the Capitol to celebrate his inauguration, the commission said.
It’s not the only COVID era change in the festivities. In keeping with the crowd’s restrictions on slowing the spread of the virus, Biden will have a significantly reduced inauguration, with traditional activities like the parade and the inaugural balls moving to a virtual format. But even if the celebration itself will be smaller, inauguration officials are preparing a significant security presence in preparation for what may be more pro-Trump demonstrations across Washington.