WASHINGTON- President-elect Joe Biden will not get a traditional inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue. Still, he will get a presidential escort to the White House after taking the oath of office.
On Sunday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that Joe Biden and incoming first lady Jill Biden would forswear the traditional inaugural parade on Jan. 19.
Instead, the Bidens will accept a presidential escort from 15th Street to the White House after his inauguration on the Capitol West Front. The staff will include officials of every branch of the military, including a Joint Service Honor Guard, the U.S. Army Band, Fife and Drum Corps from the 3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard,” and the Commander-in-Chief’s Guard.
Planners continue to search for ways to pursue many inaugural traditions while protecting Americans’ safety and health amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The committee said, “Replacing the traditional inaugural parade with a presidential escort will allow the world and the Americans to see the new first family arriving at the White House without drawing the huge crowds that usually gather along Pennsylvania Avenue for the parade.
Tony Allen, the inaugural committee’s chief executive officer, said, “This is an exciting opportunity to work with Americans across the country to showcase Vice President-elect (Kamala) Harris’ and President-elect Biden’s steadfast commitment to an inclusive, diverse and unified nation. There are several grand traditions to the inaugural, and we aim to honor them by highlighting to more of our countries people than ever before while keeping everyone safe.”
The inaugural parade isn’t withdrawing completely.
A ‘virtual parade’ will be broadcasted and will feature performances in communities throughout the country. The parade will highlight Americans from all walks of life in different regions, celebrate America’s heroes, and reflect the country’s heritage, diversity, and resilience, planners said.
