Despite everything that transpired leading up to it, Inauguration Day saw a peaceful transfer of power as now-former President Donald Trump departed the White House and President Joe Biden was sworn in.
Overlooking it all from across the Potomac, Arlington played a bit part in pomp and circumstance.
Those with a vista across the river could catch a clear view this morning of President Trump departing the South Lawn of the White House on Marine One.
The view from Arlington of Marine 1 as the Trump family left the White House headed for Joint Base Andrews. Just past the U.S. Capitol, Marine 1 turned back for a final tour along the National Mall. @HelicoptersofDC @ARLnowDOTcom @WTOP @hhowardWTOP #Inauguration2021 @DildineWTOP pic.twitter.com/ZAiVgiJ8Gc
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) January 20, 2021
The inauguration ceremony that followed was devoid of members of the general public, as security and virus concerns closed the National Mall. Some who wanted to experience history unfold in person headed instead to the Marine Corps War Memorial, near Rosslyn.
Tears & Cheers —
Arlington residents brought out blankets, iPads and laptops to watch the #Inauguration from the grass at the Marine Corps War Memorial. @ABC7News pic.twitter.com/3tUOHbhOmz— Victoria Sanchez (@VictoriaSanchez) January 20, 2021
A sizable security presence could be seen near the Rosslyn Metro station as the inauguration ceremony concluded and as President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris — joined by former residents Clinton, Bush, Obama — headed via motorcade to Arlington National Cemetery.
Biden and Harris paid their respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before heading back into D.C., via the Memorial Bridge, for their arrival at the White House.
At Arlington National Cemetery, @POTUS and @VP, joined by former Presidents @BarackObama, @BillClinton and George W. Bush, honor our men and women in uniform who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/tAsx9NoRiM
— Biden Inaugural Committee (@BidenInaugural) January 20, 2021
Earlier today, President @JoeBiden and @VP Kamala Harris participated in a Presidential Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Biden and Harris visited ANC after Biden was sworn-in as the 46th president of the United States. pic.twitter.com/B4RM0Sbt4l
— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) January 20, 2021
Jay Westcott contributed to this report. Photos (as marked) by Jay Westcott, Joanna Hitt Kim and Kevin Wolf.