Inauguration Day 2021
President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president, while Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will become the first woman and person of color to hold that office in the U.S. when the historic 59th presidential inauguration takes place Wednesday.
Our country has celebrated Inauguration Day on January 20 since 1937. Prior to then, inaugurations typically fell on March 4, which was the day of the year on which the federal government officially began operations under the United States Constitution in 1789.
There are many ways to celebrate Inauguration Day virtually this year. According to Washington.org, the Biden Inaugural Committee YouTube channel will have official Presidential Inauguration events. Live events include:
- COVID-19 Memorial | Tuesday, Jan. 19 – 4:30 p.m. – A memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19 in cities and towns across the country. A Washington, D.C. ceremony will feature a lighting around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
- We Are One | Tuesday, Jan. 19 – 7:30 p.m. – A celebration of the accomplishments of the African-American and black community and the historic inauguration of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
- Celebrating America hosted by Tom Hanks | Wednesday, Jan. 20 – 7:30 p.m. – The primetime special hosted by Tom Hanks will feature remarks from President Biden and Vice President Harris and performances that represent the rich diversity and extensive talent America offers.
- The Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris | Wednesday, Jan. 20 – Starts at 9 a.m. – The United States of America’s historic 59th inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will take place from the West Front of the U.S. Capitol.
Parents and caregivers can explore the history and significance of Inauguration Day through this White House Presidential Inauguration Celebration Kit for Kids.
NPR also has an article which outlines how to talk to your children about civics during this unique historical event. Explore their resources for help discussing politics, history, and their feelings over the past few weeks.
And of course, your library has a variety of resources available in our catalog on the history of Inauguration Day, biographies of historical figures, and new releases on current events.