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Joe Biden was inaugurated as the United States’ president on Wednesday, in a ceremony on the steps of the US Capitol that – two weeks ago – was attacked by Donald Trump’s supporters.
The nation’s youth poet laureate, Amanda Gorman , watched those chaotic scenes as she wrote her inaugural poem, ‘The Hill We Climb’, which the 22-year-old delivered after Mr Biden took his oath of office, and you can read here in full:
Mr President, Dr Biden, Madam Vice President, Mr Emhoff, Americans and the world: when day comes we ask ourselves where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry, a sea we must wade. We’ve braved the belly of the beast. We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace. In the norms and notions of what just is, isn’t always justice. And yet, the dawn is ours before we knew it. Somehow we do it. Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished. We, the successors of a country and a time where a skinny black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president only to find herself reciting for one.
And yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect. We are striving to forge our union with purpose. To compose a country committed to all cultures, colours, characters, and conditions of man. And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us, but what stands before us. We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside. We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another. We seek harm to none and harmony for all. Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true. That even as we grieved, we grew. That even as we hurt, we hoped. That even as we tired, we tried that will forever be tied together victorious. Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division.
Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid. If we’re to live up to her own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we’ve made. That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb if only we dare. It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it. We’ve seen a forest that would shatter our nation rather than share it. Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy. This effort very nearly succeeded.
Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In picturesShow all 83 1 /83Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump descend Marine One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures First Lady Melania Trump speaks before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures The "Field of flags" is seen on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol building ahead of inauguration ceremonies
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump (R) and U.S. First Lady Melania Trump board Air Force One during a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania are greeted by Ivanka Trump (2nd R), husband Jared Kushner (R), their children, Eric (C-R) and Donald Jr. (C-L), Tiffany Trump and other Trump family members on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump addresses guests at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff attend a church service before his presidential inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Lady Gaga arrives for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Scenes from the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures U.S. National Guardsmen look on in Washington, DC
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Security is set up along Pennsylvania Avenue before the 59th Presidential Inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Donald Trump gestures as he and first lady Melania Trump depart the White House to board Marine One
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Eric Trump and his wife Lara arrive for outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's departure at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Riot equipment lays ready
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures A supporter of President Donald Trump waits for the motorcade on the road to Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Palm Beach estate
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald J. Trump (R) and US First Lady Melania Trump board Air Force One
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrives at the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is seen on the phone
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Doug Emhoff, U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Jill Biden and President-elect Joe Biden wave as they arrive on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, right, and his wife, former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, arrive at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Donald Trump Jr., executive vice president of development and acquisitions for Trump Organization Inc., left, and his partner Kimberly Guilfoyle, arrive to a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Supporters of US President Donald J. Trump wave American flags prior to a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Ivanka Trump, senior adviser to President Trump, Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser, and their children arrive to a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff arrive at the steps of the U.S. Capitol for the start of the official inauguration ceremonies
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Flags decorate the "Field of Flags" at the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Heidi Forte, middle, with other supporters of President Donald Trump wait for the motorcade on the road to Mar-a-Lago
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrive for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Members of the National Guard patrol the streets ahead of the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump, left, and First Lady Melania Trump arrive to a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Supporters of President Donald Trump, Jennifer Aiello, left, Ron Raven dance as they wait for the motorcade on the road to Mar-a-Lago
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President Mike Pence and Karen Pence arrive at the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former U.S. President George W. Bush, Former President Bill Clinton and Former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama arrive for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and wife Michelle Obama (R) arrive before the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures The U.S. Army Band 'Pershing's Own' plays during the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush arrive in the Crypt of the US Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President-elect Kamala Harris greets former U.S. President Barack Obama ahead of the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Buttons of President-elect Joe Biden are pictured ahead of his inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures U.S. President-elect Joe Biden gestures as he arrives for his inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Guests attend the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff arrive for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Finnegan Biden (R) hugs Michelle Obama (L) as they arrive for the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Lady Gaga arrives to sing the National Anthem
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President-elect Joe Biden greets Father Leo J. O’Donovan
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem during the inauguration of Joe Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Kamala Harris is sworn in as U.S. Vice President as her spouse Doug Emhoff holds a bible
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President during his inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures U.S. President Joe Biden hugs Jill Biden and daughter Ashley Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President Kamala Harris bumps fists with President-elect Joe Biden after she was sworn in during the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Jennifer Lopez with Vice President Kamala Harris
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures An employe of a Verizon store watches the televised inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala at restaurant, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Members of the National Guard salute as they stand near the U.S. Capitol while the National Anthem is sung
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures A detail of a car decorated in outgoing US President Donald Trump as his supporters await his return to Florida along the route leading to his Mar-a-Lago estate
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Jennifer Lopez gestures during the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Donald Trump gestures to supporters en route to his Mar-a-Lago Florida Resort
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures A general view of the Capitol during the inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Edwina Rose from California fights back tears while listening to U.S. President Joe Biden's inauguration speech
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump exit Air Force One at the Palm Beach International Airport on the way to Mar-a-Lago Club
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden hugs his son Hunter Biden and daughter Ashley Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures People raise champagne glasses to toast to new U.S. President Joe Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Tiffany Trump (R) and Michale Boulos exit Air Force One at the Palm Beach International Airport
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Supporters of President Joseph Biden celebrate as they listen to him speak during the presidential inauguration
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden signs three documents including an inauguration declaration, cabinet nominations and sub-cabinet nominations in the President's Room at the US Capitol after the inauguration ceremony
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden supporters dance in the streets
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures People watch the Inauguration Day ceremony on television at Manuel's Tavern in Atlanta
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures From left, first lady Jill Biden, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff stand on the steps of the U.S. Capitol
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden embraces his wife Jill
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Utah National Guardsmen arrive at the Utah State Capitol building to provide security in Salt Lake City, Utah
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, wave from the Capitol steps as former Vice President Mike Pence's motorcade departs
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures The National Mall in Washington, DC, decorated with US flags during the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Joe Biden (C R) and US First Lady Jill Biden (C L) walk up the stairs as they arrive at the North Portico of the White House
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Former presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont) sits in the bleachers on Capitol Hill
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden sits in the Oval Office at the White House
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures President Joe Biden (L) and First Lady Jill Biden (2nd L) appear on the Blue Room Balcony as they and family members (R) watch fireworks from the White House
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Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Biden’s Inauguration Day 2021 - In pictures Fireworks are seen above the White House at the end of the Inauguration day
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But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated. In this truth, in this faith we trust for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us. This is the era of just redemption. We feared it at its inception. We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour, but within it, we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves so while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe? Now we assert, how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be a country that is bruised, but whole, benevolent, but bold, fierce, and free. We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation. Our blunders become their burdens. But one thing is certain, if we merge mercy with might and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright.
Follow live: Biden demands end of ‘uncivil war’ as poet says US will never be ‘permanently defeated’
So let us leave behind a country better than one we were left with. Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one. We will rise from the hills of the West. We will rise from the wind-swept Northeast where our forefathers first realised revolution. We will rise from the lake rim cities of the Midwestern states. We will rise from the sun-baked South. We will rebuild, reconcile and recover in every known nook of our nation, in every corner called our country our people diverse and beautiful will emerge battered and beautiful. When day comes, we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.
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