Wednesday’s Inauguration will be like none other in modern history. The coronavirus pandemic, coupled with unprecedented security concerns that remain after the attack on the Capitol, means traditional events will be greatly scaled down.
There will still be a big celebration, it will just take place virtually.
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In a video released by Howard University, members of the Showtime Band rehearse. While representing less than one-third of the full marching band due to COVID-19 restrictions, the drumline, flag squad and dancers will perform live at the nation’s capital on Inauguration Day.
Howard is the alma mater of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. The drumline will play a special cadence to honor the alumna.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee has released a list of groups from across the U.S. who will take part in a virtual “Parade Across America.”
It will be livestreamed on a variety of platforms, and in addition to entertainment, speakers from across the country will participate.
Among them are members of the Arlington, Virginia-based Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, which assists those dealing with the death of a military loved one.
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“I mean we’ve had a big loss in our family from a man who had served this country so well, and for him to be honored and for TAPS to be honored for the work that they do, we were just so thrilled,” Sara Wilson, a military widow, said.
CEO and founder of TAPS, Bonnie Carroll, also reflected on the parade.
“Four years ago, we had 200 surviving families marching in the parade, and it was this beautiful expression of honor and remembrance and for the families just to be together,” Carroll said.
The Skate Kid — Kaitlyn Saunders — captivated hearts when she glided across Black Lives Matter Plaza over the summer. Now, she will participate in the historic inauguration with a pre-taped performance where it all began—at Black Lives Matter Plaza.
Saunders told News4 that she received the invitation from legendary figure skater, Michelle Kwan. The Skate Kid prepared a new dress for the occasion and had a special request for her dress maker.
"I wanted it to be very sparkly and have all these rhinestones on it, and she added even more than I expected," Saunders said about her inauguration dress.
