A recap of the 45th Presidential Inauguration

At 12:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, Donald J. Trump raised his right hand and officially took the oath of office, becoming the 45th president of the United States of America and solidifying his place in history books. Following the official swearing in ceremony, the President began a series of traditional celebration processions with the Inaugural Address, Inaugural Parade and Inaugural Balls.

George Washington began these traditions in 1789 when he placed his hand on a Masonic Bible and took command. Today, the Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Thomas swore in President Trump over Abraham Lincoln’s Bible and a Bible given to President Trump by his mother. Atop the Capitol Building President Trump was surrounded by his family, with wife and First Lady Melania Trump as well as his children and grandchildren in his company. He sat next to Vice President Mike Pence.

The inauguration signifies the exchange of power to a new president and provides hope and positivity for many.

“It’s a new presidency and a new beginning for our country,” sophomore Jake Endara said.

Many, however, other Americans feel differently and believe that today began an era of fear and hatred.

“I am sad that he [Trump] is going to be the one in charge,” sophomore Sophia Dealejo said. “It’s scaring me.”

Also in attendance at the 45th Presidential Inauguration was Former Secretary of State and President Trump’s presidential opponent Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton. While the majority of Congress members attend the Inauguration, 67 Democratic members sat out of the historical day due to tensions with the president, including Congressman John Lewis of Georgia and Congressman Darren Soto of Florida.

All but nine presidents had scheduled celebratory inauguration ceremonies, starting with George Washington in April of 1789, but the third through 32nd Presidents were inaugurated on either March 4 or 5, until President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second term when it moved to Jan. 20.

A pursuit of unity amongst the nation’s population begins promptly, following a divisive campaign that polarized the U.S.

“It’s a radical shift from what we had,” junior Amanda Keizer said. “And I hope it goes peacefully.”