The pagentry

The military escort at the arrival of the Bidens at the Capitol, the introduction of guests, the presenting of the colors, presenting the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – all of these demonstrated the great pagentry and tradition of this event.

The music

I greatly enjoyed the music of the United States Marine Band at the Capitol, and the other locations where military bands performed. It is fitting that these musical organizations, which have been present for most of the history of the United States of America, were the primary music of choice at the inauguration. As a euphonium player myself, I have performed many of the marches that were heard yesterday. The music brought tears to my eyes again and again.

The oath of office

Although the act of taking the oath of office is simple and short, its meaning is great. My family and I watched both Vice President Harris and President Biden take the oath of office, and we clapped at home for both of them. Again, tears flowed as a new era in American politics began.

“Mr. President”

As Chief Justice John Roberts completed the administering the oath of office to Joe Biden, he was the first to say the words “Mr. President”. Tears flowed down my cheeks. As President Biden was greeted by congressional leaders and military personnel through the day, by news media, by well-wishers, each time I heard the words “Mr. President”, it felt like it meant something again; for me, it had not meant anything for the past four years.

I hope that this event will be a sign of great things to come for the United States of America. I will pray every day that our country can heal from the divisiveness of the past four years and move forward in greatness again.