And as its 47th President Donald Trump calls for unity we’re billing today as Heal to the Chief and a history of US inaugurations.
Much has been made of the ceremony being moved indoors to protect The Donald’s 78-year-old bones from the DC big freeze.
And the absence of razzmatazz of the swearing-in with the Capitol, Washington and Lincoln Memorials in the background.
And the public needing to queue to watch the inauguration indoors on big screens at the Capitol One Arena.
Where The Village People had performed at the Trump celebration rally the night before.
And the Dancing Dad-in-Chief burst out his moves.
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We all have our own memories of past Washington inaugurations many impressed on us through the years.
Such as John F Kennedy imploring his fellow citizens to ‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.’
And Robert Frost, he of ‘the stopping by woods on a snowy evening‘ delivering an oration.
And Frank Sinatra heralding in the participation of showbiz with his fancy ball.
Carrie on a great tradition
Where Frank led America’s greatest musicians have followed.
Aretha Franklin headlined Jimmy Carter’s celebrations in 1977.
That great showbiz groupie Bill Clinton had Michael Jackson, Fleetwood Mac and Barbra Streisand involved.
While Barack Obama and Joe Biden pulled in the big guns of their day in Beyonce and Lady Gaga to sing the national anthem.
The Donald is returning to the Country base from which he draws so much support.
In inviting Carrie Underwood to sing America The Beautiful.
Capitol’s Holy of Holies
For all the glitz there is at the heart of the American inauguration a solemn oath and undertaking.
And it is proper that the inauguration take place in the Capitol’s Holy of Holies, the Rotunda.
Where Kennedy’s body was laid out as have presidents and great American patriots since.
Among the friezes on the walls of the Rotunda is the national motto E pluribus unum (out of the many few).
The 47th President has, of course, signalled his intention to sign off on 100 executive orders so will get a good look at that seal.
Which he well knows from his last period of office.
So with that noble thought in mind we say: Heal to the Chief and a history of US inaugurations.
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