Inauguration Day will look different this year, but those who cannot attend the event in person are being honored in a unique way.
Ahead of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ inauguration on Wednesday, the “Field of Flags” public art display of nearly 200,000 flags were placed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The flags represent the tens of thousands of people who are not able to attend the inauguration in person. There are flags of all the U.S. states and territories. There are also 56 pillars of light at the display.
The inauguration will be largely virtual amid the coronavirus pandemic and following the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6. The theme is “America United.” The display on the Mall was illuminated on Sunday evening.
Check out the posts below:
*Sneak Peek!*
— Biden Inaugural Committee (@BidenInaugural) January 19, 2021
Check out our art installation of nearly 200,000 state and territory flags accompanied by 56 pillars of light ?
We can’t wait for this to be showcased on #InaugurationDay! pic.twitter.com/CzohtSJSmA
Stunning pictures of the National Mall set up for inauguration with flags representing Americans who can’t attend in person (via Getty) pic.twitter.com/gi5kPHFkOt
— Amanda Terkel (@aterkel) January 19, 2021
.@BidenInaugural lit 56 pillars of light (representing the 56 states & territories) to illuminate their “Field of Flags” display on the National Mall. The display includes nearly 200,000 U.S. flags meant to represent the American people not able to travel to the inauguration. pic.twitter.com/4w4Oa7iI9t
— Molly Nagle (@MollyNagle3) January 19, 2021
Presidential Inaugural Committee Lights “Field of Flags” Art Display on the National Mall #Inauguration2021 pic.twitter.com/bnZrnyOTEB
— CSPAN (@cspan) January 19, 2021
Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Dr. Tony Allen previously said in a statement, “This inauguration marks a new chapter for the American people — one of healing, of unifying, of coming together, of an America united.”
“It is time to turn the page on this era of division,” he added. “The inaugural activities will reflect our shared values and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together than we are apart, just as our motto ‘e pluribus unum’ reminds us — out of many, one.”
There will also be a wreath laying ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery after the inaugural ceremonies to honor “our men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our common values,” as the Presidential Inaugural Committee writes on its website. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their wives, will also attend.
