This week’s inauguration was unlike any other. Three major factors contributed to the unprecedented inauguration day: additional security concerns (following the recent events at the Capitol Building), the continuing Coronovirus pandemic, and lack of participation from the outgoing president. 

Nevertheless, the show must go on. And go on, it did. Wednesday’s inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris not only persisted, it shined. The ceremonies of the day were made possible thanks to an enormous amount of logistics, National Guard presence, mask wearing and social distancing. 

If you’ve been following me some time then you know I love traditions. I’ve shared my favorite birthday and holiday traditions that have withstood the test of COVID. Now I’m sharing some of my favorites from inauguration day.

Of the many traditions that accompany the peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next, these are six of my favorites that endured this year.

Attending a church service is a tradition for president-elects on inauguration morning. I think this is a nice way for those involved to come together, hopefully, in respectful reflection and prayer in anticipation of the momentous day and journey ahead. The Bidens attended morning mass at the Cathedral of St. Mathew the Apostle. They were accompanied by Vice President Harris, her husband and prominent lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. Presidents traditionally attend a church service on the morning of the inauguration, typically St. John’s Episcopal Church. Biden is only the second Roman Catholic president, after JFK.

In recent tradition, the outgoing president has left a letter for the incoming president on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. This is one of the only traditions that former President Trump continued (that we know of). Biden has confirmed that Trump did leave him a letter however at the time of writing this the contents remain private. The general tone, if not full sentiments, of these letters are usually shared eventually. Naturally the letters between presidents of different parties are particularly interesting in the years when the outgoing president lost to the incoming – and not just leaving due to term limit.

Former presidents and first ladies are traditionally in attendance on inauguration day. This is a nice display of country over party in support of our democracy and continuing the peaceful transfer of power. The Clintons, Bushes and Obamas were all in attendance for the Biden inauguration this week. Part of an exclusive club, the couples appear to have forged unique bonds over the years, their affectionate interactions transcending politics. The former presidents and first ladies have come together on a few occasions over the past few years. While the Trumps were not in attendance, outgoing Vice President Mike Pence and his wife were there. Pence served as a witness to the transfer of power and representative of the outgoing administration.

I love how specific the timing is: twelve o’clock noon on January 20th. The tradition of transferring power on an exact day and time is a constant among more recent chaos and unknowns. Not until this exact day and time is it that the official transfer of power happens. One presidential term ends and the next one begins. So while former President Trump physically left D.C. earlier on the morning of the 20th, he technically remained president until 12pm EST. I’m sure they do their best to time up the swearing in of the new president and vice president. This year Harris and Biden completed their oaths with time to spare, prior to noon. Biden, however, did not officially become president until noon as per the 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that “the terms of the president and vice president shall end at noon on the 20th day of January.”

After the inauguration ceremony, the president and vice president visit Arlington National Cemetery for a special wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This year President Biden and Vice President Harris were joined by former presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton for the somber ceremony. Former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Secretary Hillary Clinton were also there to help pay respect to our fallen soldiers. Each couple approached the patriotic wreath one at a time to say a silent prayer. A single bugle played “Taps” as well. This somber ceremony is a reminder of the great sacrifices made by our armed forces. It is also a silent reminder of the weight and responsibility carried on the shoulders of our Commander in Chief.

Music and poetry have traditionally played a large role in inauguration day. This year was no exception with major stars, and one break out, lending their voices to the inauguration ceremony. Lady Gaga performed “The National Anthem” in a statement ballgown with a symbolic dove carrying an olive branch. Jennifer Lopez, in winter white and pearls, performed a mashup of “This Land is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful”, including a quick “let’s get loud” from her own catalog. Garth Brooks performed “Amazing Grace” with a signature black cowboy hat in hand. All three performances were moving in their own ways.

Then there was the breakout star of the day, writer and poet Amanda Gorman. The world was wowed by Gorman (@amandascgorman) reciting her poem “The Hill We Climb”, written especially for the occasion. Her moving words made a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of Americans all over the country. Her profound words quickly went viral, trending across the Internet and on social media. Within 24 hours her upcoming children’s book Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem was already listed at the top of Amazon’s best seller list. It doesn’t come out until September. She was the icing on the cake of the unity and hope, craved and served to the American people, leaving them wanting more.