Happy Inauguration Day! (Ceremonial)

As Rachel Maddow put it, our greatest secular civic holiday we celebrate every four years.  The speeches are fantastic and moving.  The symbolism is so important, from the number of columns on the building to who is giving the speeches.  This day itself, symbolizes that democracy works.  In the two houses of the building where the inauguration is held, democracy is messy.  Outside the building, every four years, the peaceful transfer of power shows that is works.  There is no mob.  No coup to unseat the previous president.  This truly is America’s greatest holiday.

Chuck Schumer gave a great speech about the symbolism of the Capital Building.  To President Abraham Lincoln, the unfinished dome symbolizing the divided nation during the Civil War.  I never realized what a great speaker Senator Schumer was.  He would make a great Senate Majority leader should Harry Reid every leave the Senate.

Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of Medgar Evers gave a wonderful invocation, and the historical aspects of her filling that role are immense.  Her husband was a civil rights leader who was gunned down in their driveway on June 12, 1963.  And now she is delivering the invocation of our first African American President, albeit his second term, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  She is also the first non-clergy to give the invocation. 

Vice President Biden was sworn in followed by President Obama.  Chief Justice Roberts did not flub the words this time.  Then he gave his speech and there is a lot of history in second inaugurals.  This, I feel, is no different.

President’s speech:

Poet Richard Blanco composed a poem for the inauguration and it was perfect for the occasion.  Listening to it, all I could think was that it was an impeccable description of America.   

Video of Richard Blanco's poem:

Beyoncé and Kelly Clarkson sang wonderfully, of course, and did not steal the show from the President.  He is the star today.

The rest of the day will be full of parties and celebration.  Tomorrow, back to work.