President Biden’s inaugural speech on hope and unity

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U.S. Army Sgt. Charlotte Carulli / WIKIPEDEACOMMONS

President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. takes the presidential oath of office at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2021. Once the oath was completed, Biden became the 46th President of the United States of America.

On Jan. 20, 2021, transfer of power between presidents was completed. Many Americans already know this. We know what President Biden said and the various promises made. The President focused on unity throughout the inaugural speech, and noted that unity could only be brought through the American people.

Biden declared that, “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, fear, and demonization have long torn us apart. The battle is perennial. Victory is never assured. Through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifice, and setbacks, our “better angels” have always prevailed. In each of these moments, enough of us came together to carry all of us forward. And, we can do so now.”

In this excerpt from his inaugural speech, President Biden acknowledges the harsh reality of unity and human flaws. Although, he also speaks of hope, and the many examples of Americans overcoming chaos and civil strife through unity. There is truth behind his words. We have to come together as a country to begin to thrive during this troubling time. Unity is the most important part of democracy, Biden realizes this, and the U.S. must too.

In a later part of the speech, the President said, “We can right wrongs. We can put people to work in good jobs. We can teach our children in safe schools. We can overcome this deadly virus. We can reward work, rebuild the middle class, and make health care secure for all. We can deliver racial justice. 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. I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real.”

From this alone, we can see Biden’s hope for the U.S. He wants the U.S. to unite for the greater good. He wants our children to learn in schools, and he wants our parents to be successful and have a well paying job. Students and young adults around the country can look to this and see hope for a future where unity is the main goal. Students and children must learn at a young age to agree with others and find solutions to problems, and I feel that now we must use those skills to help turn the U.S. into a better and more unified country.