WASHINGTON (AP) – The theme of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration will be “United America”, an issue that has long been a central focus for Biden, but which has gained additional weight in the wake of the violence in the United States Capitol Last week.
In an announcement first shared with the Associated Press, the Inaugural Presidential Committee said the theme “reflects the beginning of a new national journey that restores America’s soul, unites the country and creates a path to a brighter future.
In keeping with the theme of unity, the committee also announced that after officially sworn in, Biden, Vice President-elect Harris and his spouses will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and join him for ex -presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and their wives. It will be one of Biden’s first acts as president and a demonstration of bipartisanship at a time when national division is in evidence.
The focus on unity has characterized Biden’s presidential race from the start, and he has said several times since winning the White House that he sees the country’s unification as one of his top priorities as president. But the scope – and urgency – of the challenge that Biden faces has become even clearer this week after President Donald Trump unleashed an armed insurrection on Capitol Hill, spurred by his repeated attempts to delegitimize Biden’s victory..
Trump himself is skipping Biden’s inauguration, a decision that 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 – a chapter of healing, of unification, of unity, of a united America,” said PIC CEO Dr. Tony Allen. “It is 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 – of many, one ”.
The committee also announced plans for a large public art exhibition spanning several blocks from the National Mall, which will feature 191,500 U.S. flags and 56 pillars of light, to represent each state and territory in the U.S. After Biden asked Americans to stay home for his inauguration, the “Field of Flags” intends to represent “the American people who cannot travel” to the Capitol to commemorate his inauguration, according to the committee.
It is not the only COVID era change for the festivities. Following restrictions on the size of the crowd to slow the spread of the virus, Biden will have a significantly reduced inauguration, with traditional activities such as the parade and inaugural balls moving to the virtual format. But even if the celebration itself is less, opening officials are preparing a significant security presence. in preparation for what may be more pro-Trump demonstrations in Washington.