At the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States of America, grace, democracy, and patriotism tried their best to win over divided country.
As the sun rose on Washington on January 20, America prepared for a new administration and the swearing in of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States (US).
The road to the White House was not easy. In the final months of the US 2016 presidential election campaign, Republican Trump and his rival Democratic presidential nominee Hillary fought a long, hard and often at times ugly battle.
Clinton also had the strong backing of Barack and Michelle Obama who made no secret of their outrage toward Trump's controversial remarks, scandals, and opposed many of his policy plans. The Obamas' campaigned hard for Clinton to become the first woman president of the US.
In the end, the outcome of the presidential election stunned the world and left a country divided. Since election day on November 8, 2016, people have rejoiced, cried, protested and worry about the future of their nation.
No matter what side you were on, or what or who you supported, there was no doubt that Trump's inauguration day - the dawning of a new political era - set a display of grace, patriotism, and love for country.
Moments of love for country outshined conflicting views and by example led the way for a peaceful transition of power. Here are some of the highlights of when true patriotism trumped party lines on that momentous day in American history.
The grace of outgoing President and First lady
In his final message as POTUS, Barack Obama urged the American public to believe in their own ability to bring about change.
Shortly after Obama was spotted in the oval office for the final time, where in keeping with tradition most likely left a letter to the incoming president on the Resolute desk. When asked by a reporter, as he walked out of the office for the last time, if he had any final words to the American people, he responded in true class: Thank you.
During the election campaign, both Barack and Michelle fought long and hard for the former secretary of state and were vocal about Trump being "unfit" for being Commander-in-Chief. So it was no surprise that all eyes were on the White House, when Donald and Melania arrived after the church service for a tea party with the Obamas.
This was the first time, the world would watch their interaction. In typical Obama style, they welcomed them with warmth and grace. "Mr. President elect! How are you? Congratulations,” Obama said to Trump as he got out of the car. Melania went in for a handshake as she gave Michelle a parting gift in a Tiffany box. But Michelle instead greeted her with a touching embrace.
After the private meeting, Obama and Trump, set aside their differences, respecting their democracy and left the White House together as President and President-elect to Capitol Hill for the inauguration.
True patriotism
A visibly emotional Hillary, who made history by becoming the first woman to lead a major party in the US Presidential race, arrived at her opponents swearing-in ceremony with her husband former president Bill Clinton. Though difficult to attend, she felt it was important to make an appearance to honour her country's democracy.
While Trump did not mention Hillary during his inaugural speech, he did pay his respects to her and Bill during his address at the congressional luncheon at the Statuary Hall in the Capitol, even asking the guests to give them a standing ovation. "I was very honoured, very, very honoured when I heard that President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton was coming today," he said to the room. "There's nothing more I can say because I have a lot of respect for those two people, so thank you all for being here," Trump said.
Make America Great Again
After Chief Justice John Robert swore in the New York billionaire, President Trump gave his highly anticipated inaugural speech that sang the rhetoric of his campaign.
"We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people," said the new POTUS. "Today’s ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, DC and giving it back to you, the American People."
While his speech did stir up controversy, especially when he painted a dark picture of a country broken, he did focus on his message about putting "America First". He ended his speech saying "Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You, And God Bless America."
Just before saying his prayer, Reverend Franklin Graham pointed out the onset of rain as Trump approached the platform to give his speech and revealed that "in the Bible, rain is the sign of a blessing".
"And it's my prayer that God will bless you, your family, your administration, and may He bless America," the reverend told Trump.
Not long after Trump's inauguration, protestors and police clashed at the parade route where more than 200 people were arrested. The demonstrations exhibit the part of the country still struggling to accept the new administration. But, by leading by example, the country can unit together with Obama's final message: "I'm still asking you to believe - not in my ability to bring about change, but in yours. I believe in change because I believe in you."
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