If you’re trying to remember exactly when the world watched Joe Biden take the stage at the U.S. Capitol, the date you’re looking for is January 20, 2021. It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? But honestly, that Wednesday was one of the most surreal moments in modern American history.
It wasn't just another transfer of power. We were right in the thick of a global pandemic, and the capital looked more like a fortress than a city. If you saw the photos, you know what I mean. There were no massive crowds stretching toward the Washington Monument. Instead, there was a sea of nearly 200,000 flags and about 25,000 National Guard troops. It was heavy.
The Timeline of When Was Biden Inauguration
While the main event happened at noon, the day actually kicked off much earlier. Most people don't realize that Biden and Kamala Harris started their morning with a church service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. It’s a bit of a tradition, but given everything that had happened at the Capitol just two weeks prior on January 6th, the vibe was noticeably tense.
The ceremony itself officially started around 11:00 AM ET. Kamala Harris made history first. At roughly 11:40 AM, she was sworn in by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. This was huge—she became the first woman, the first African American, and the first South Asian American vice president.
Then, exactly at 11:49 AM ET, Joe Biden took the oath. He was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts. He used a massive family Bible that’s been in the Biden family since 1893. It’s about five inches thick. Kinda hard to miss.
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Key Moments You Might Have Forgotten
- The Theme: The official theme was "America United." It sounded aspirational, maybe even a little impossible given how divided things were.
- The Performers: Lady Gaga sang the National Anthem (with that giant gold dove brooch), Jennifer Lopez did a medley, and Garth Brooks sang "Amazing Grace" a cappella.
- The Breakout Star: Honestly, it was Amanda Gorman. The 22-year-old poet read "The Hill We Climb" and basically stole the entire show. People are still talking about her yellow coat and those powerful lines.
- The Absent Guest: Donald Trump didn't attend. That was the first time an outgoing president skipped his successor's inauguration since Andrew Johnson in 1869. Mike Pence was there, though.
Why the Date Matters So Much
The 20th Amendment to the Constitution is what actually sets the date for every inauguration. It hasn't always been January 20th. Back in the day, presidents weren't sworn in until March 4th. Can you imagine waiting four months for a new administration to start? In 1933, they changed it because the "lame duck" period was just way too long and messy.
So, since FDR’s second term in 1937, January 20th has been the day. If it falls on a Sunday, they do a private swearing-in and then the big public party on Monday. But for Biden, it was a straightforward Wednesday.
A Different Kind of Celebration
Usually, D.C. is packed for these things. Hotels are booked out years in advance, and the Metro is a nightmare. But in 2021? The National Mall was closed. Because of COVID-19 and the security risks after the January 6th riot, the public was told to stay home.
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Instead of a traditional parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, we got a "Virtual Parade Across America." It was hosted by Tony Goldwyn and featured a bunch of different groups from all 50 states. It was a weird, digital-first way to celebrate, but it actually worked pretty well for the time.
Later that night, Tom Hanks hosted a primetime special called "Celebrating America." It took the place of the fancy inaugural balls. Seeing Bruce Springsteen perform "Land of Hope and Dreams" in front of the Lincoln Memorial at night was a vibe you just don't get at a stuffy ballroom dance.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2021 Inauguration
A lot of folks think the military presence was just for show, but the security mobilization was actually unlike anything in modern U.S. history. We’re talking about 7-foot non-scaleable fences topped with razor wire. The Secret Service was on high alert for "insider threats," even vetting the National Guard members on site.
Also, people often forget that Biden was 78 when he was inaugurated. That made him the oldest person to ever assume the presidency at the time. It was a day of a lot of "firsts" and "oldests."
How to Dig Deeper into the Records
If you’re a history buff and want to see the actual documents or the full transcript of the speech, there are a few places to go.
Check the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) website. They handle the logistics and keep the official records. The National Archives also stores the original bibles and the signed oaths of office if you're ever in D.C. and want to see the real deal.
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Actionable Takeaways for History Lovers
- Watch the Speech: If you haven't seen the full 21-minute inaugural address recently, it's worth a re-watch. It frames the entire legislative agenda of the following four years.
- Read the Poem: Amanda Gorman’s "The Hill We Climb" is arguably the most famous piece of literature to come out of that year.
- Check the Date for 2025: The next one is scheduled for January 20, 2025. It’ll be interesting to see how the security and public access compare to the restricted 2021 event.
- Visit the Site: If you go to the West Front of the U.S. Capitol today, you won't see any of the stages, but you can stand exactly where the podium was placed.
The 2021 inauguration was a pivot point. Between the masks, the empty Mall, and the razor wire, it was a stark reminder of how much the country was going through. Whether you were cheering or skeptical, there’s no denying it was a day that changed the trajectory of the decade.