FRISCO, TEXAS — The passage of four years can mean something different to everyone. For some, it symbolizes class graduations, for others, it represents Olympic seasons, and for Americans, it’s a sign of the presidential election and the subsequent presidential inauguration.
The 2024 election year meant most US citizens were tuning in to debates, rallies, and other election coverage. After a long year and the voting efforts of many, Donald Trump was re-elected as president, making him the 47th president of the United States and the second president to be re-elected nonconsecutively, as he had previously served the 2016-2020 term. On Jan. 20, President Trump was sworn into office during the inauguration ceremony.
The inauguration is a longstanding U.S. tradition that began in 1789 with the election of George Washington. Since then, there has been a total of 60 inauguration ceremonies. Inauguration Day is the transfer of presidential power from a former president to the next one. This year, an Invocation, a prayer that calls upon God, was given by Rev. Franklin Graham and Cardinal Timothy Dolan at the start of the event. Rabbi Ari Berman and Senior Pastor Lorenzo Swell delivered Benedictions afterward. During the swearing-in ceremony, President Trump took the oath of office and was sworn into the presidency. Vice President, JD Vance also took his oath and was sworn into office preceding the president.
“I will be watching the inauguration this Monday because I believe in being engaged with the world and what’s going on. I believe it’s imperative that kids my age are watching the inauguration and keeping themselves informed,” junior Hajoon Yun shared.
Many notable people attend the event as guests or performers including former presidents. At this year’s ceremony, former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush were present. Country singer, Carrie Underwood, performed America The Beautiful at the Inauguration and the U.S. Naval Glee Club sang alongside the United States Marine Band during the event as well.
After the Inauguration, the Trump Family will officially move back into the White House and President Trump will begin his first full day in office and work the following day.
Getting up to date on the political happenings within your own country is an important part of not only growing up, but of citizenship as well. The more you know about your government the better you will be able to make choices for your life.
“We’re a year – a year and a half away from being able to vote, so you don’t just want to be informed when you’re 18. You want to have an idea of your perceptions, form your own opinions, and do your own research,” junior Grayson Bell shared.
