This is America's day. This is democracy's day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve.
Through a crucible for the ages, America has been tested a new and America has risen to the challenge.
Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause, a cause of democracy. The people – the will of the people – has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded.
We've learnt, again, that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And, at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed.
So now on this hallowed ground, where just a few days ago, violence sought to shake the Capitol's very foundations, we come together as one nation under God – indivisible – to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.
As we look ahead in our uniquely American way, restless, bold, optimistic and set our sights on a nation we know we can be and must be, I thank my predecessors of both parties. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.
And I know the resilience of our Constitution and the strength, the strength of our nation, as does President Carter, who I spoke with last night who cannot be with us today, but who we salute for his lifetime of service.
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US President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential inauguration in Washington. Reuters -
President Joe Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House. Reuters -
President Joe Biden swears in presidential appointees in a virtual ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House. Reuters -
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden wave as they arrive at the North Portico of the White House. AP Photo -
President Joe Biden and his wife Jill embrace as they arrive to the White House. Reuters -
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden walk up the stairs as they arrive at the North Portico of the White House. AP Photo -
President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and family, walk in front of the White House. AP Photo -
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. AP Photo -
Former President Bill Clinton with his wife, former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush with his wife Laura Bush, and former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama at the Arlington National Cemetery. Reuters -
US President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her husband Doug Emhoff look on as they leave the US Capitol after the inauguration ceremony. Reuters -
US President Joe Biden signs documents in the President's Room at the US Capitol following the inauguration ceremony. Bloomberg -
Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff, wave from the Capitol steps as former Vice President Mike Pence's motorcade departs. AP Photo -
US President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential inauguration in Washington. Reuters -
US President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States during the 59th presidential inauguration in Washington. Bloomberg -
Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States as his spouse Jill Biden holds a bible on the West Front of the Capitol in Washington, DC. Reuters -
Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. AP -
Social distancing audience during the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. Reuters -
Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem at the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden. AFP -
Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem as US Vice President Mike Pence and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris look on. Reuters -
From left: Doug Emhoff, US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, incoming US First Lady Jill Biden, US President-elect Joe Biden arrive for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US President at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. AFP -
Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive for the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden. AP Photo -
Former US President Bill Clinton arrives with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the US Capitol. AFP -
Former US President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush arrive for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States on the West Front of the US Capitol. Reuters -
Family members of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris attend the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the US Capitol. AFP -
The view from the podium where Joe Biden will speak after being sworn-in during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. EPA -
Flags decorate the "Field of Flags" at the National Mall near the Washington Monument ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden. AFP -
President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden attend a church service before his presidential inauguration at St Matthews Catholic Church in Washington. Reuters -
President-elect Joe Biden, his wife Jill Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff attend a church service before his presidential inauguration at St. Matthews Catholic Church. Reuters -
The West Front of the US Capitol is prepared for the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, DC. AFP -
US singer Lady Gaga arrives for the inauguration of Joe Biden as US President in Washington, DC. EPA -
Supporters hold American flags as Air Force One, carrying US President Donald Trump, departs during a farewell ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Bloomberg -
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave to a crowd as they board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base. AP Photo -
President Donald Trump speaks to crowd before boarding Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base. AP Photo -
The sun rises behind the US Capitol as preparations are made prior to the 59th inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington. AFP
I've just taken a sacred oath each of those patriots have taken. The oath, first sworn by George Washington. But the American story depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us. On we the people who seek a more perfect union.
This is a great nation, we are good people and over the centuries through storm and strife in peace and in war we've come so far. But we still have far to go.
We'll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibility.
Much to do, much to heal, much to restore, much to build and much to gain.
Few people in our nation's history have been more challenged or found a time more challenging or difficult than the time we're in now.
A once in a century virus that silently stalks the country has taken as many lives in one year as in all of World War Two.
Millions of jobs have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of businesses closed. A cry for racial justice, some 400 years in the making, moves us. The dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself, a cry that can't be any more desperate or any more clear now. The rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront and we will defeat.
To overcome these challenges, to restore the soul and secure the future of America, requires so much more than words.
It requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy – unity. Unity.
In another January on New Year's Day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When he put pen to paper the president said, and I quote, 'if my name ever goes down in history, it'll be for this act, and my whole soul is in it'.
My whole soul is in it today, on this January day. My whole soul is in this. Bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation.
And I ask every American to join me in this cause.
Uniting to fight the foes we face – anger, resentment and hatred. Extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness, and hopelessness.
With unity, we can do great things, important things. We can right wrongs, we can put people to work in good jobs, we can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome the deadly virus, we can rebuild work, we can rebuild the middle class and make work secure, we can secure racial justice and we can make America once again the leading force for good in the world.
I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real.
But I also know they are not new. Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal, that we are all created equal, and the harsh ugly reality that racism, nativism and fear have torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never secure.
Through civil war, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setback, our better angels have always prevailed.
In each of our moments, enough of us have come together to carry all of us forward and we can do that now. History, faith and reason show the way. The way of unity.
We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbours. We can treat each other with dignity and respect. We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace, only bitterness and fury, no progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos.
This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge. And unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America.
If we do that, I guarantee we will not fail. We have never, ever, ever, ever failed in America when we've acted together. And so today at this time in this place, let's start afresh, all of us.
Let's begin to listen to one another again, hear one another, see one another. Show respect to one another. Politics doesn't have to be a raging fire destroying everything in its path.
Every disagreement doesn't have to be a cause for total war and we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.
My fellow Americans, we have to be different than this. We have to be better than this and I believe America is so much better than this. Just look around. Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome.
As mentioned earlier, completed in the shadow of the Civil War. When the union itself was literally hanging in the balance. We endure, we prevail. Here we stand, looking out on the great Mall, where Dr King spoke of his dream.
Here we stand, where 108 years ago at another inaugural, thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote. And today we mark the swearing-in of the first woman elected to national office, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Don't tell me things cannot change. Here we stand where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace.
And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground. It did not happen, it will never happen, not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever.
To all those who supported our campaign, I'm humbled by the faith you placed in us. To all those who did not support us, let me say this. Hear us out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart.
If you still disagree, so be it. That's democracy, that's America. The right to dissent peacefully. And the guardrail of our democracy is perhaps our nation's greatest strength.
If you hear me clearly, disagreement must not lead to disunion. And I pledge this to you. I will be a President for all Americans. All Americans.
And I promise you I will fight for those who did not support me as for those who did.
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The inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States, also present are (from left) Alexander Hamilton, Robert R Livingston, Roger Sherman, Mr Otis, Vice President John Adams, Baron Von Steuben and General Henry Knox, April 30, 1788. Getty Images -
Inauguration of Martin Van Buren in the Senate Chamber, March 4, 1837. Getty Images -
Lithograph of the Presidential inauguration of William Henry Harrison, in Washington, DC on the 4th of March 1841, Washington, DC, 1841. Getty Images -
The Inauguration of President Polk, March 4,1845. Getty Images -
Inauguration of President Lincoln , March 4, 1861. Getty Images -
Ulysses S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax taking the oath of office administered by Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C, March 4th 1869, before a large crowd. Getty Images -
Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite administering the oath of office to James A. Garfield on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, Washington DC, USA, March 4, 1881. Getty Images -
U.S. President Grover Cleveland in Reviewing Stand in front of the White House during his Inauguration, Washington DC, USA, March 4, 1885. Getty Images -
Chief Justice Melville Weston Fuller Administering Oath of Office to President William McKinley, Former President Grover Cleveland on Right, U.S. Capitol, Washington DC, USA, March 4, 1897. Getty Images -
Washington, DC: General view of the crowds at Washinton, DC for the inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson, March 4, 1913. Getty Images -
American president Calvin Coolidge takes the oath of office at his Inauguration ceremony, Washington, DC. William Howard Taft, Supreme Court Justice and former President, presides over the ceremony. March 4, 1924 Getty Images -
The crowd dances at President Herbert Hoover's inaugural ball at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., U.S. in March 1929. Before the year was over, the Roaring Twenties would come to an end and the Great Depression would begin. Reuters -
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Inauguration, March 4, 1933. Getty Images -
US President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice President Richard M. Nixon pose for photographers at the reviewing stand for the Inaugural parade in Washington, D.C., USA on January 20, 1953. Reuters -
Back view of President John F. Kennedy and crowd as he gives inaugural speech, January 20, 1961. Getty Images -
Spectators at the Inauguration of President John F. Kennedy on January 20, 1961 in Washington D.C. Getty Images -
President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy as they left the White House to attend a series of inaugural balls. Five locations were booked to hold the tremendous crowd that wanted to attend. The First Lady's dress was designed by Oleg Cassini. January 20, 1961. Getty Images -
Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office aboard Air Force One at Love Field Airport two hours and eight minutes after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Dallas, Texas. Jackie Kennedy still looks on. November 22, 1963. Executive Office of the President of the United States -
Overhead view of the crowd as they watch American President Richard Nixon deliver his inaugural address at a podium in front of the Capitol Building, Washington DC, January 20, 1969. Getty Images -
Screen capture shows American politician Gerald Ford with his right hand raised as he is sworn in as the 38th president of the United States, East Room, White House, Washington, DC, August 9, 1974. Ford replaced Richard Nixon who resigned to avoid a potential impeachment. Getty Images -
President Jimmy Carter makes his inaugural speech after being sworn in on January 20, 1977 on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. Getty Images -
President-elect Ronald Reagan, Mildred O'Neill, House Speaker Tip O'Neill, Vice President-elect George Bush, Senator Mark Hatfield, unknown, Second Lady Barbara Bush, First Lady Nancy Reagan during the first inauguration of President Ronald Reagan on January 20, 1981 in Washington D.C. Reuters -
At the Lincoln Memorial, US President-Elect George HW Bush and Vice President-Elect Dan Quayle, along with their wives, Barbra Bush and Marilyn Quayle, wave during their inaugural opening ceremony, Washington DC, January 18, 1989. Getty Images -
Inauguration of President of United States, President William Jefferson Clinton, January 20, 1993. Getty Images -
President-elect Bill Clinton shakes hands with singer Michael Jackson as Stevie Nicks of the Fleetwood Mac band sings at the finale of a star-studded gala on the eve of the inauguration at the Capital Center January 19, 1993. Getty Images -
President-elect George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush with Vice-President-elect Dick Cheney and his wife Lynn wave at the Lincoln Memorial at the opening ceremonies of the inauguration in Washington January 18, 2001. Reuters -
U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the inauguration ceremony in Washington January 20, 2009. Reuters -
U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are serenaded by Beyonce in their first dance of the night during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in Washington January 20, 2009. Reuters -
President-elect Donald J. Trump arrives at the inauguration ceremonies swearing him in as the 45th president of the United States at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 20, 2017. Reuters -
U.S. President Donald Trump takes the oath of office from U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts with his wife Melania, and children Barron, Donald, Ivanka and Tiffany at his side during inauguration ceremonies at the Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2017. Reuters
Many centuries ago, St Augustine – the saint of my church – wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. Defined by the common objects of their love.
What are the common objects we as Americans love, that define us as Americans? I think we know. Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, respect, honour, and yes, the truth.
Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson. There is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and a responsibility as citizens as Americans and especially as leaders. Leaders who are pledged to honour our Constitution to protect our nation. To defend the truth and defeat the lies.
Look, I understand that many of my fellow Americans view the future with fear and trepidation. I understand they worry about their jobs. I understand like my dad, they lay in bed at night staring at the ceiling thinking: 'Can I keep my healthcare? Can I pay my mortgage?' Thinking about their families, about what comes next. I promise you, I get it. But the answer's not to turn inward. To retreat into competing factions. Distrusting those who don't look like you, or worship the way you do, who don't get their news from the same source as you do.
We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts, if we show a little tolerance and humility, and if we're willing to stand in the other person's shoes, as my mom would say. Just for a moment, stand in their shoes.
Because here's the thing about life. There's no accounting for what fate will deal you. Some days you need a hand. There are other days when we're called to lend a hand. That's how it has to be, that's what we do for one another. And if we are that way our country will be stronger, more prosperous, more ready for the future. And we can still disagree.
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US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. AP Photo -
Outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump address guests at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. AFP -
First lady Melania Trump looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks at the Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Reuters -
US President Donald Trump speaks as he departs from the Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Reuters -
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump descend Marine One as they arrive at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. AFP -
Outgoing US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump descend Marine One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. AFP -
Ivanka Trump, right, husband Jared Kushner, centre, their children, Eric and Donald Jr., Tiffany Trump, left, and Trump family members stand on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland as they arrive for US President Donald Trump's departure. AFP -
Outgoing US President Donald Trump waves as he boards Marine One at the White House in Washington. AFP -
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House. AP Photo -
He will receive a military sendoff at Maryland's Joint Base Andrews and deliver his final remarks as president. Reuters -
Exiting the White House, Mr Trump told reporters that serving as president was “the honour of a lifetime." AFP -
Supporters of US President Donald Trump gather at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for Trump's arrival. AFP -
Aides carry boxes to Marine One before President Donald Trump leaves the White House. AP Photo -
Air Force One is prepared for President Donald Trump as flags fly on a stage at Andrews Air Force Base. AP Photo
My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us we're going to need each other. We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the darkest and deadliest period of the virus. We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation, one nation. And I promise this, as the Bible says, 'Weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning'. We will get through this together. Together.
Look, folks, all my colleagues I serve with in the House and the Senate up here, we all understand the world is watching. Watching all of us today. So here's my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested and we've come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances, and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday's challenges but today's and tomorrow's challenges. And we'll lead not merely by the example of our power but the power of our example.
Fellow Americans, moms, dads, sons, daughters, friends, neighbours and co-workers. We will honour them by becoming the people and the nation we can and should be. So I ask you, let's say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives, those left behind and for our country. Amen.
Folks, it's a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy, and on truth, a raging virus, a stinging inequity, systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America's role in the world. Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways. But the fact is we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the greatest responsibilities we've had. Now we're going to be tested. Are we going to step up?
It's time for boldness for there is so much to do. And this is certain, I promise you. We will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era. We will rise to the occasion. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children?
I believe we must and I'm sure you do as well. I believe we will, and when we do, we'll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story.
A story that might sound like a song that means a lot to me, it's called American Anthem. And there's one verse that stands out at least for me and it goes like this …
'The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day, which shall be our legacy, what will our children say?
Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you.'
Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children and our children's children will say of us: 'They gave their best, they did their duty, they healed a broken land.'
My fellow Americans I close the day where I began, with a sacred oath. Before God and all of you, I give you my word. I will always level with you. I will defend the Constitution, I'll defend our democracy.
I'll defend America and I will give all – all of you – keep everything I do in your service. Thinking not of power but of possibilities. Not of personal interest but of the public good.
And together we will write an American story of hope, not fear. Of unity not division, of light, not darkness. A story of decency and dignity, love and healing, greatness and goodness. May this be the story that guides us. The story that inspires us. And the story that tells ages yet to come that we answered the call of history, we met the moment. Democracy and hope, truth and justice, did not die on our watch but thrive.
That America secured liberty at home and stood once again as a beacon to the world. That is what we owe our forbearers, one another, and generations to follow.
So with purpose and resolve, we turn to those tasks of our time. Sustained by faith, driven by conviction and devoted to one another and the country we love with all our hearts. May God bless America and God protect our troops.
Thank you, America.
