As the final day of the Trump presidency passes, rehearsals and preparations are underway for the upcoming inaugural ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President–elect Kamala Harris, set to take place on January 20. Amid unprecedented security concerns and an ongoing pandemic, the visual landscape of Washington is different from any previous inaugural ceremony. Roads have been closed, concrete barriers and security fencing have been placed, and more than 20,000 armed National Guard troops have been deployed to the nation’s capital. In place of what would normally be a large crowd of onlookers, the National Mall is filled with thousands of national, state, and territory flags representing the American people who will be unable to attend.
An Inauguration Like No Other
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The U.S. Capitol is seen behind a fence with razor wire during sunrise on January 16, 2021, in Washington, D.C. More than 20,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. president. #
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The U.S. Capitol is preparing for the inauguration ceremonies of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President–elect Kamala Harris. Approximately 191,500 U.S. flags will cover part of the National Mall and will represent the American people who are unable to travel to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration. #
Joe Raedle / AFP / Getty -
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White House Marine sentries are seen during a dress rehearsal for U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's presidential inauguration at the U.S. Capitol on January 18, 2021. #
Melina Mara / Reuters -
A stand-in for President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on the podium, as a stand-in for Jill Biden looks on, during a rehearsal at the U.S. Capitol on January 18, 2021. #
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Thousands of U.S. flags are seen at the National Mall, to represent the people who are unable to travel to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration, photographed on January 18, 2021. #
Carlos Barria / Reuters -
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A view shows 56 pillars of light, representing the 50 U.S. states and six territories, illuminating the skies above the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol, ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, on January 18, 2021. #
Keith D. Arnold via Reuters -
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