46th US President-Elect, Biden to be Sworn in Before 191,500 American Flags
The 46th President of the United States of America, Joe Biden will be sworn in before 191,500 American flags in the National Mall.
The Flags represents the hundreds of patriotic Americans who can’t make it to the National Mall due to COVID-19 pandemic. Presidential Inaugural Committee confirms.
According to report from CNN, the Presidential Inaugural Committee planted more than 191,500 American flags on the National Mall, meant to represent the American people who can’t attend Biden’s inauguration.
On Tuesday, the committee illuminated the flags, concentrated in 56 pillars to represent the 50 states and US territories, in a ceremony that took roughly 46 seconds — in honor of Biden, who this week will become the 46th President of the United States. The public art display reflects “our commitment to an inclusive and safe event that everyone can enjoy from home,” the committee said.
Biden’s inaugural guest list was already limited due to the pandemic. Heightened security threats made it even more dangerous, so instead of spectators, he’ll be sworn in before 191,500 flags.
Biden’s inauguration was already going to be unique given the pandemic. So the President-elect discouraged supporters from attending for their safety.
Then, this month’s insurrection at the US Capitol heightened security concerns, as federal officials warned that extremists are more emboldened by the violent events of January 6 to carry out their own attacks on Inauguration Day and throughout 2021. CNN reports.
