I On Politics: Inaugurations

After a long, eventful and frequently controversial campaign, Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential race on November 8th, securing his position as the 45th President of the United States. The Oval Office officially was passed to Trump and his administration at his inauguration ceremony on January 20th. Inauguration day has historically been a spectacle in and of itself and has a rich history of unique traditions, civil disobedience and national celebration.

The very existence of Inauguration Day is based in America’s colonial history and geography. Originally scheduled for early March, the timing of the presidential swearing in was the product of the USA’s vast size and lack of infrastructure. It often took early members of the electoral college several weeks on horseback to reach the capitol and cast their vote on behalf of their constituents. Only after couriers ferried the election results back to their home states could travel arrangements be made to attend the ceremony. As communication technology and the speed of travel improved, the date was moved up several months while still allowing time for the president elect to select his staff and carry out a smooth transition.

Originally a rather dry and formal affair, the presidential inauguration has evolved to feature massive parades, lavish balls and performances from the most well-known musicians of their day. Inauguration Day festivities have featured a diverse range of artists from James Brown and The Beach Boys to Will.i.am. Trump’s staff opted for a more traditional lineup featuring the Radio City Rockettes and Mormon Tabernacle Choir as an extension of the nostalgic theme that defined the entire event. Beyond popular entertainment over a dozen official galas will be held throughout the weekend in addition to hundreds of private events all over the country.

With the eyes of the nation focused on Washington, Inauguration Day is also an important occasion for the president’s most vocal critics. While many have argued that protesting during the swearing in ceremony is disrespectful to the new administration and the state, civil disobedience and demonstrations have become just as much a part of January 20th as the oath of office. The suffragettes famously marched on Washington during Woodrow Wilson’s 1913 inauguration ceremonies, while Nixon’s 1973 festivities were disrupted by protests against the controversial Vietnam War. 2017 upheld this tradition with several groups across the political spectrum have scheduled protests, counter demonstrations and charity events in DC and beyond.

While this was not the first inauguration I have attended, it was certainly the most interesting…for me, above all else Inauguration Day is an opportunity to celebrate democracy, unity and everything that America has to offer. January 20th provided a brief moment to reflect on the past and look to the future in a rapidly changing world.