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Today's presidential inauguration marked a series of firsts for the United States. From the country's oldest president to its first woman vice president, and the youngest poet to perform at the ceremony - the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States - Joe Biden was a sign of the times. Take a look at the key highlights
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Biden's promise to end 'uncivil war'
US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020. During his speech, he assured that he will work as hard for those who did not support him as for those who supported him during the election campaign. Former US President Donald Trump was not present for Biden's inauguration ceremony. Former Vice-President Mike Pence was in attendance.
(Photograph:Reuters)
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COVID-impacted ceremony
Owing to coronavirus, the ceremony remained largely muted, with a minimal crowd allowed at the US Capitol, facing the National Mall. In usual circumstances, the Mall would be packed with thousands of people, but this time, it was decorated by 200,000 American flags.
(Photograph:Reuters)
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Oldest American president
At 78, Joe Biden has become the oldest president in the history of the United States.He was also the youngest US Senator - at the age of 29. He had vied for the presidential position twice in the past - this time, he had a breakthrough within his party.
(Photograph:Reuters)
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First woman vice president
Kamala Harris on Wednesday became the first woman Vice President of the United States, during a ceremony which took place at the West Front of the Capitol. 56-year-old Harris is the country's 49th Vice President and will serve as the deputy of 46th American President - Joe Biden. Harris' oath was administered by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the US Supreme Court
(Photograph:Reuters)
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Youngest poet graces the podium
On Wednesday, Amanda Gorman made history by becoming the youngest inaugural poet in the history of the United States. She performed at the 59th Presidential Inauguration, delivering her original composition "The Hill We Climb" at the Capitol. In attendance were US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris
(Photograph:Reuters)
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Biden's Bible connect
Joe Biden took oath as US President with a Bible in his, an artefact which has stayed with him throughout his 50-year-long political career. The Bible has remained in Biden's family since 1893. Earlier too, Biden took his oath on the same Bible when he served as vice president twice.