There Will Be No Presidential Inaugural Parade In 2021
WASHINGTON — Today, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) announced additional details about inauguration that will follow the official swearing-in ceremony on January 20, which will include a Pass in Review on the East Front of the Capitol, a Presidential Escort to the White House, and a virtual parade across America.
“This is an exciting opportunity to work with Americans across the country to showcase President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris’ steadfast commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and unified nation. There are many grand traditions to the inaugural and we plan to honor them by highlighting more of our nation’s people than ever before while keeping everyone safe,” said PIC CEO Tony Allen.
Below are additional details regarding these inaugural activities:
- Pass in Review: After the official swearing-in ceremony on the West front of the U.S. Capitol, the President-elect, First Lady, Vice President-elect, and Second Gentleman will participate in a Pass in Review on the East front with members of the military. Pass in Reviews are a long-standing military tradition that reflect the peaceful transfer of power to a new Commander-in-Chief, during which the President-elect, hosted by the Commander of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, will review the readiness of military troops. Every branch of the military will be represented in this event. Participants will be socially distanced and PIC will have vigorous health and safety protocols in place.
- Presidential Escort: The President-elect will receive a Presidential Escort from 15th Street to the White House, providing the American people and world with historic images of the President-elect proceeding to the White House without attracting large crowds and gatherings. Every branch of the military will be represented in the escort, including The U.S. Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard, and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard and Fife and Drum Corps from the 3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard.” Participants will be socially distanced and PIC will have vigorous health and safety protocols in place.
- Virtual Parade Across America: In light of the pandemic, the PIC will produce a virtual parade across America that will be televised for the American people and feature diverse, dynamic performances in communities across the country. The parade will celebrate America’s heroes, highlight Americans from all walks of life in different states and regions, and reflect on the diversity, heritage, and resilience of the country as we begin a new American era. The PIC will announce participants in the coming weeks.
This programming will honor long-standing inaugural traditions; provide the American people with the iconic images of a new president, a new vice president, and their families making their way to the White House; and feature musical acts, local bands, poets, dance troupes, and more paying homage to America’s heroes on the frontlines of the pandemic.
“We are excited about the possibilities and opportunities this moment presents to allow all Americans to participate in our country’s sacred inaugural traditions. This innovative programming will keep people safe and use new ways to bring in Americans across the country — from rural towns and urban cities to younger and older Americans to everybody and everywhere in between. This is an ambitious goal but we are committed to an inclusive and accessible celebration that brings Americans together and unifies our nation, especially during such a tough time for our country,” said PIC Executive Director Maju Varghese.
As announced last week, Dr. Kessler will continue advising the PIC on how best to hold inaugural events that prioritize health and safety. Additionally, PIC Executive Producers Stephanie Cutter and Ricky Kirshner and Senior Advisor Rod O’Connor will play key roles in creating and producing the virtual parade across America.
The PIC will announce further details about events and how Americans can participate as it becomes available in the coming weeks.