For the first time in 40 years, the inauguration of a US president will take place inside the Capitol. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in indoors on Monday due to freezing temperatures. Every presidential inauguration in Washington has its own unique characteristics, but this year, as VOA correspondent Carolyn Presutti reports, it will be very different.
The Marine Corps Band has performed at every inauguration since 1801. But this time, its members won't have to worry about their instruments freezing, because the inauguration will be held inside the United States Capitol due to freezing temperatures.
It is their sounds that will accompany the song "America the Beautiful" and immediately after Donald Trump is sworn in as president, the song "Hail to the Chief", both performed by Carrie Underwood.
"Even though it's my seventh time, every time is special. It's a little surreal that I'm part of a piece of history and that we're present at this major event not only for America, but for the whole world. So, they may all look the same, but they're never the same," says Lt. Leslye Barrett of the Marine Band.
And this time it will be different. The last time cold temperatures moved the ceremony indoors was in 1985, when Ronald Reagan was sworn in for his second term.
Preparations for the attendance of ticketed visitors began more than a month ago, including the construction of a platform at the Capitol, the construction of parade stands and 30 miles of barriers along the sidewalks, more than at any previous inauguration.
Thousands of people may still come to Washington to attend the ceremony, among them Zander Goss and Olivia Connelly.
"I've never been before. I'm new to Washington and it's a good time," Olivia says.
"My mother was nine months pregnant with me at George W. Bush's inauguration, four days before I was born, so technically it's probably my second inauguration," Zander says.
Monday honors democratic tradition, despite the polarization of the elections.
"It's an example to Americans and to the world that we have a transition and a new government," says Anita McBride, who has worked for four White House administrations.
After the oath-taking, the president usually rides in his limousine in a parade and then gets out to walk to the White House.
But at this inauguration, Mr. Trump, who will have just been sworn in, will appear less than two miles from the Capitol in a sports and concert hall with a capacity of 20,000 people.
History will remember this second inauguration of Mr. Trump, with a different look than the first./ VOA (A2 Televizion)
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