BRET BAIER: Inauguration Day spotlights America’s perpetual promise

At noon on January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. He will be the second president to serve non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland. Cleveland's fate was the result of public buyer's remorse. He was first elected in 1884, but lost in 1888 to Benjamin Harrison, whose economic policies were a major failure. Harrison was so weakened that Cleveland thought he had a chance to regain the White House. He was re-elected in 1892.

On Monday, President Trump is expected to repeat Cleveland's rare act of inauguration in Washington, D.C., on the coldest day of the year, with the ceremony moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, where up to 20,000 people can watch live. announced that it could be used as an ing. Capital One Arena. More than 200,000 people have tickets to the inauguration, most of whom will be watching on a screen along with the rest of America. Only a few ceremonies have been held indoors due to the harsh weather, the most recent being President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration in 1985, when the midday temperature was 7 degrees.

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Inauguration Day is a constitutionally mandated ritual and our way of keeping the promise of our quadrennial democracy. Its traditions have little to do with politics and are beloved by the masses, regardless of who puts their hands on the Bible. This occasion, which takes place every four years, is a celebration of what unites us. Americans, for the most part, put aside their differences and focus on enduring democracy. While there may be some tough feelings left in the wake of the election, inauguration celebrations, even if only for one day, bridge those divides.

The ceremony begins early in the morning when it is traditional for the president-elect and his spouse to enjoy tea at the White House. Mr. Biden is scheduled to welcome Mr. Trump on January 20th. This tea is also an example of a peaceful transition of power, but when the winners and losers come together at the last moment, it can create an awkward atmosphere. The Trumps skipped it entirely in 2021, but their various transition photos were full of stiff smiles. Everyone studies photos for body language clues, but the bottom line is, it usually happens. Americans love to see leaders of different political parties getting along, even on the surface. Note the explosive reaction in the press and social media to Trump and Obama smiling and chatting at Jimmy Carter's funeral.

It is also traditional for the outgoing president and the incoming president to head to the Capitol together. Trump and Obama rode together in a car on Trump's first day in office in 2017, but it is unclear whether Biden and Trump will share a car this time.

The inauguration itself follows tradition, with all four living presidents in attendance: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Holding the prestigious position alongside Cabinet appointees and high-ranking guests will be some of America's most powerful people, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook and TikTok CEO Shou Ji. It is a gathering of technology leaders, and new faces will likely join this opportunity. bite.

Everyone is looking forward to the inaugural speech that will set the tone for the new administration. Over the centuries, signature lines have become memorable long after presidents have been born and gone. What makes the statement so memorable is how well it reflects America's enduring spirit. For example, Thomas Jefferson's declaration that “all differences of opinion are not differences of principle.” Or in 1865, during the Civil War's last and bloodiest period, Abraham Lincoln offered this remarkable olive branch. We strive to do everything we can to accomplish and cherish, to finish the work we are doing, to heal the wounds of our nation, to take care of the man who endured the battle, his widow and orphans. Sho. A just and lasting peace between ourselves and all nations. ”

Franklin Roosevelt stood before a nation devastated by the Great Depression and tried to instill new resolve with these words: “Then, first of all, let me assert my firm beliefs. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself…It is a nameless, senseless, unwarranted terror that paralyzes the efforts needed to turn retreat into progress.'' John F. Kennedy uttered what became perhaps his most famous inaugural address: “If your country is yours… Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for you.'' ”

President Trump's inauguration on Monday will be attended by tech leaders including Elon Musk, Hsu Zi Chu, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg. (Etienne Laurentbay Ismoyo Mark Ralston Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

In his first inaugural address, President Reagan emphasized the principles of American greatness in the world. “First and foremost, we must recognize that in the arsenals and arsenals of the world, there is nothing more formidable than the will and moral courage of President Reagan.” Free men and women. ”

According to reports after the transition to the Trump administration, Mr. Trump is likely to create a positive atmosphere heading into his second term, and if he does so, public reaction will likely be positive. On this sacred day, Americans prefer their leaders to talk about the current situation. right With America.

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After the ceremony, a parade will be held at Capital One Arena. A tradition dating back to the nation's earliest days, the inaugural parade is an opportunity to combine celebration with a showcase of the best of American life, including marching bands, floats, and exhibits representing each state. The sacrifice and courage of Americans will be on display at military units, police departments, and fire departments.

This year's parade will also include first responders from Butler County, Pennsylvania, the site of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in July. They plan to honor Buffalo Township Fire Chief Corey Comperatore, who was shot and killed that day.

Finally, it is customary for outgoing presidents to slip a personal note to their successor into a desk drawer in the Oval Office. This tradition began with Ronald Reagan, who left a personal note to George H.W. Bush. Bush later did the same for Bill Clinton, writing, “Your success today is our country's success. I'm rooting for you hard.”

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When President Trump entered the White House for his first term, he found a memo written by Barack Obama. “Millions of people are counting on you, and regardless of party affiliation, all of us should look forward to increased prosperity and security during your term in office.”

Trump left a note to Joe Biden in 2021, which Biden said was “a very generous letter.” Now Joe Biden will leave Trump with a memo. And the great cycle of American life continues.

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