Today marks one of the miracles of American democracy. A new President of the United States will be inaugurated. On the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as the nation’s 45th president. Do not miss the majesty of this moment. All Americans should celebrate the great gift of America’s democratic traditions and the pageantry that solemnizes this occasion.
We will witness a peaceful transition, with President Donald Trump entering the occasion and President Barack Obama leaving it. The only gunfire will be a celebratory 21-gun salute. Too many other nations mark a transition of power with a military coup or overthrow. Not here. Not in America. Since President George Washington yielded office to President John Adams there has been a peaceful transition of power in the American presidency. This is something for all Americans to celebrate.
