Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed.Ī cry for racial justice some 400 years in the making moves us. It’s taken as many lives in one year as America lost in all of World War II. We will press forward with speed and urgency, for we have much to do in this winter of peril and possibility.įew periods in our nation’s history have been more challenging or difficult than the one we’re in now.Ī once-in-a-century virus silently stalks the country. Over the centuries through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we have come so far. This is a great nation and we are a good people. On “We the People” who seek a more perfect Union. I have just taken the sacred oath each of these patriots took - an oath first sworn by George Washington.īut the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us.

You know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength of our nation.Īs does President Carter, who I spoke to last night but who cannot be with us today, but whom we salute for his lifetime of service. I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I thank my predecessors of both parties for their presence here. We look ahead in our uniquely American way – restless, bold, optimistic – and set our sights on the nation we know we can be and we must be. So now, on this hallowed ground where just days ago violence sought to shake this Capitol’s very foundation, we come together as one nation, under God, indivisible, to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries. We have learned again that democracy is precious.Īnd at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed. The will of the people has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded. Today, we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. Through a crucible for the ages America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge. THE PRESIDENT: Chief Justice Roberts, Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McConnell, Vice President Pence, distinguished guests, and my fellow Americans. Get Involved Show submenu for “Get Involved””.The White House Show submenu for “The White House””.Office of the United States Trade Representative.Office of Science and Technology Policy.Executive Offices Show submenu for “Executive Offices””.Administration Show submenu for “Administration””.

Shadow era lost lands