January 20 and Who We Are

There's always something special about the ritual of Inauguration Day on January 20 every four years that rises above attendant circumstances, even partisan politics.

That sentiment rang true again this year as I watched the Presidential Inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021.

It has been widely mentioned that the day's proceedings brought a much-needed healing touch in the wake of recent angst.  

President Biden used words to offer such a touch throughout his inaugural address.  He spoke about the "better angels" of our nature ultimately prevailing, and calling for renewed respect and unity, even speaking to those who didn't support his campaign and election as president.

I saw it as a dignified ceremony that demonstrated once again a special aspect of the American experience, that power transfers smoothly from one leader to the next, even between individuals of different political ideologies.

It was especially momentous to see this transfer of power occur two weeks after a mob stormed the US Capitol building, when it seemed like concerns over election integrity put the strength of the republic to the test.  And that strength was proven through the festivities of the inauguration that unfolded without too much of a hitch.  President Biden captured that sentiment well in his inaugural address when he said the USA had been tested in a crucible, and that democracy is "fragile", is "precious", and "has prevailed".  It embodies a sense of "resilience" so that we look ahead "in our uniquely American way--restless, bold, optimistic".

This day gives us renewed energy for the work ahead, as was spoken of in Amanda Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb".  The words constantly spoke of striving forward to a better day, which we can attain "if we're brave enough to see it...to be it."  And certainly that speaks to how US history has unfolded, in the spirit of the words "in order to form a more perfect union" in the US Constitution Preamble.

Later in the day, I caught glimpse of the inaugural parade.  It was incredible to see groups from all over the country perform, and how in their introductions, they said how honored they were to be part of this event.  There was an amazing variety of performances, which speaks to the great diversity of this country, in keeping with the history made that day as Kamala Harris became the first vice president who is a woman, and of South Asian and African-American heritage.

I also thought Katy Perry's performance of "Firework" in the evening inaugural event was pretty epic with scenic views of the fireworks over the National Mall.

We've got a lot going for us in the USA, and how wonderful we have the chance to celebrate that on an occasion like Inauguration Day, so that we go forth with the strength we need to continue the democratic process of our republic.