First lady Jill Biden is expressing her appreciation for those who helped keep the inauguration safe.

In her first video posted to the @FLOTUS Twitter account, Jill Biden said the inauguration symbolized the beginning of a ā€œbright new chapterā€ for the United States.

She believes Americans saw ā€œhope and optimismā€ in the celebration.

ā€œIt was a culmination of thousands of people working together to create something incredible. Especially, in this uniquely difficult year,ā€ Jill Biden said.

She added, ā€œAs a National Guard mom, I’m grateful for our service members, first responders, civil servants who have put in hours upon hours of work to make sure that our inauguration was a reflection of the pride and promise of our nation. I’m grateful for the families who supported them and I’m grateful for everyone who calls this city home who made us feel so welcome.ā€

Watch her comments below:

After her husband was sworn in, they proceeded to head to the White House as more than 25,000 troops guard Washington, D.C,, as IJR reported.

ā€œJust days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground, it did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever,ā€ the president said in his inaugural speech.

Advertisement

He also recognized the significance of the inauguration just two weeks after angry Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, as IJR reported.

ā€œWe celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause, the cause of democracy. The people, the will of the people, has been heard and the will of the people has been heeded,ā€ Joe Biden said.

He continued, ā€œWe’ve learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile and at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.ā€