>> good evening, america, i'm proud to be here in cold washington, d.c., tonight. i want to offer this small prayer for our country, this is "land of hope and dreams." ♪♪ ♪ grab your ticket and your suitcase, thunder's rolling ♪ ♪ down this track, you don't know where you're going now ♪ ♪ but you know you won't be back darling if you're weary ♪

♪ lay your head upon my chest, we'll take what we can carry ♪ ♪ yeah, and we'll leave the rest, well, big wheels roll ♪ ♪ to fields where sunlight streams, meet me in a land ♪ ♪ of hope and dreams, what i will provide for you, and ♪ ♪ i'll stand by your side, you'll need a good companion now ♪ ♪ oh, for this part of the ride,

and leave behind your sorrows ♪ ♪ let's let this day be the last, well tomorrow there will be sunshine ♪ ♪ sunshine, and all this darkness past, well big wheels ♪ ♪ roll through fields where sunlight streams ♪ ♪ oh, meet me in a land of hope and dreams, when this train ♪ ♪ carries saints and sinners, this train carries losers ♪ ♪ and winners, this train carries hardened gamblers ♪ ♪ this train carries lost souls,

i said this train, dreams will ♪ ♪ not be thwarted, this train, faith will be rewarded ♪ ♪ on this train, hear the steel wheels singing, this train ♪ ♪ bells of freedom ringing, big wheels roll through fields ♪ ♪ where sunlight streams, oh, meet me in a land of hope ♪ ♪ and dreams, meet me in a land of hope and dreams ♪♪

>> please welcome our host, tom hanks. >> bruce springsteen's "land of hope and dreams" kicks off tonight's celebrating america on this day which saw the inauguration of our 46th president, joseph r. biden jr. i'm at the lincoln memorial, on the national mall, in our nation's secured capital city. the last few weeks, last few years, we've witnessed deep divisions and a troubling rancor in our land. but tonight we ponder the united states of america. the practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of our constitution, the hope and

dreams we all share for a more perfect union. to some a presidential inauguration is a tradition, an act that marks the commitment of a new four-year term. yet in truth, inauguration day is about much more than the swearing in of our next national leaders. this day is about witnessing the permanence of our american ideal. every four years we hear the words that will empower us all on the journey ahead, the message that can unite us, as we begin a new passage from where we are to where we can be. a trek to a common goal, to the promise of our promised land. the keynote of this day is the presidential inaugural address. the new president, republican, democrat, lays out a vision for the nation.

if the words ring out, it is not only due to the power of the oratory, it is because the dream of america has no limits, and resonates well beyond any single day. tonight we share memorable passages from the inaugural remarks of four of our past presidents. each spoke to a specific moment in our history. fdr rallied us in the great gression. jfk inspired a new generation to serve. ronald reagan spoke of the peaceful transition of power for a shining city on a hill. and abraham lincoln sought to unite us after a war that tore us apart. >> with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as god gives us to see the right, let us strive on

to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne to battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and all nations. >> this great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. so first of all let me assert my firm belief that the only thing that we have to fear is fear itself. >> in the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. i do not shrink from this responsibility, i welcome it. i do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other

generation. the energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it. in the glow from that fire, can truly light the world. and so my fellow americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. >> to a few of us here today, this is a solemn and most momentous occasion, and yet in the history of our nation, it is a commonplace occurrence, the orderly transference of authority as in the constitution has taken place and few stop to think how unique we really are. in the eyes of many in the world this four-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle. >> we'll celebrate america with

more performances and tributes to the men and women across the country who have provided strength and kept us going through hardships and troubled times. ahead -- president biden speaks to the nation. coming up, more great music, and we recognize outstanding service by our citizens, on "celebrating america." >> i'm eva loong oria, in the last days americans have honored the start of new chapter reaffirming commitment to highest ideals -- community, empathy and democracy. began with national day of service on monday, martin luther king jr. day when americans across the country volunteered in their neighborhoods, providing covid-19 relief and addressing issues highlighted by

the pandemic. in pursuit of the economic and social justice that dr. king envisioned in his beloved community. yesterday the inaugural committee hosted ceremony at lincoln memorial reflecting pool to honor those who died in the coronavirus pandemic. honor our loved ones and renew our commitment to work together to end the pandemic and rebuild our nation. and earlier today took part in some of the most important moments in continuing evolution of our democracy, from the swearing in, to the president's speech, parade across america and procession to the white house. it's our responsibility as citizens to protect and build more inclusive democracy every day. >> i do solemnly swear that i will faithfully execute. >> that i will faithfully execute. >> the office of president of

the united states. >> the office of president of the united states. >> so help you god. >> so help me god. >> congratulations, mr. president. ♪ this land is your land ♪ >> the world is watching. my message to those outside our borders, america has been tested and we come out stronger for it. >> i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america. >> that i will well and faithfully -- >> the duties of the office upon which i am about to enter. >> the duties of office upon which i am about to enter. >> so help me god. >> so help me god. >> all right! ♪ america god shed his grace on thee, and crown thy good ♪

♪ with brotherhood from sea to -- >> history, faith and reason show the way, the way of unity. we can see each other, not as adversaries but neighbors. we can treat each other with dignity and respect. we can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. this is our historic moment. of crisis and challenge. and unity is the path forward. ♪ and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air ♪ ♪ gave proof through the night that our flag was still there ♪♪

>> if we merge mercy with might and might with right, then love becomes our legacy, and change our children's birthright. ♪ o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave ♪♪ welcome back to celebrating america, here are exceptional americans who have stepped up. they are the indispensable folks who provide the daily services we too often take for granted. >> i think the essential workers

carry the rest of us on their shoulders through many months. grocery store clerks, delivery clerks, drivers, folks on the assembly line, meat packers. too often overlooked. giving their best to their country when we need them most. that's the america we know. that's who we are. >> good evening, i'm anthony gaskin in neighborhood outside of richmond, virginia. i deliver packages to the people who live here. tonight i'm honored to represent the many frontline workers across our nation who keep america going. it's not only a job for us, but we care about the people who live here, and know they're concerned for us and our safety. now i have a special delivery for you, from miami, jon bon jovi. ♪♪

♪ here comes the sun do, do, do, do here comes the sun ♪ ♪ and i say it's all right, little darling, it's been a long cold ♪ ♪ lonely winter, little darling, it feels like years since it's ♪ ♪ been here, here comes the sun, do, do, do, do, here comes the sun ♪ ♪ and i say it's all right,

little darling the smiles returning to ♪ ♪ their faces, little darling, it seems like years since it's been here ♪ ♪ here comes the sun do, do, do, do, here comes the sun ♪ ♪ and i say it's all right ♪ ♪♪ ♪ sun, sun, sun, here it comes, sun, sun, sun, here it comes ♪ ♪ sun, sun, sun, here it comes,

sun, sun, sun, here it comes ♪ ♪ little darling, i feel that icy storm is melting ♪ ♪ little darling it seems like years since it's been clear ♪ ♪ here comes the sun, do, do, do, do, here comes the sun ♪ ♪ and i say, it's all right, here comes the sun, do, do, do, do, here comes the sun ♪ ♪ and i say it's all right, it's

all right ♪♪ >> fellow americans, i'm united states marine corps sergeant stationed at marine corps air station in japan. protecting and defending our original allies partners of united states of america. joint forces committed to preserving stability and freedom. stationed more than 6,000 miles away in asian pacific, we're truly honored to celebrate with you. congratulations to new commander in chief. semper fi, oorah.

>> more on celebrating america. >> good evening, everybody. now for some good news. >> every night all these people have been cheering on the health care workers during their shift change. ♪ this is my quest ♪ >> the small army of citizens making masks. >> new york's finest cheering on out-of-state health care workers. tiktok doc spreading positivity in a pandemic. >> some using dark days to create bold ideas. >> covid-19 has tapped a creative nerve many of us never even knew we had. >> the dance move flossing. very beautiful, what you both are doing. >> crisis, cocktail hour can be almost any hour. >> drive-by celebrations have become popular during these times. >> deejay kopak raised $1

million for the child care center. >> leading artist offers songs of comfort. >> this is just something that i can >> we've been tested these last ten months as individuals, families, and communities. but in the midst of devastation and loss, there were moments when a flickering light pointed us toward a brighter future. you brought us comfort. you sustained us. and so that light grew. and became a bright beam in the universe. this is for all of you who found new ways for us to smile together. ♪♪

♪♪ [ "amazing grace" ] ♪♪

♪♪ ♪♪ [ "hail to the chief" ]

>> and now it is my honor to introduce the president of the united states, joseph r. biden jr. [ "hail to the chief" ] ♪♪ >> hello, all the participants at tonight's event. it's humbling to stand in front of these sacred words, humbling out of respect to president lincoln and the office we now share and humbling because of

you, the american people. as i said earlier today, we've learned again that democracy is precious. because of you, democracy has prevailed. that's why jill and i, kamala and doug wanted to make sure our inauguration was not about us, but about you, the american people. this is a great nation. we're a good people. and overcome and challenges in front of us requires the most elusive of all things in a democracy, unity. it requires us to come together in common love that defines us as americans. opportunity, liberty, dignity, and respect, and unite against common foes, hate, violence, disease, and hopelessness. america depends not on any one of us, not on some of us, but on all of us, on we, the people. that's the task before us. the only way we'll get through the darkness around us.

there are moments in our history when more is asked of us as americans. we saw that in the civil war. we saw that with dr. king, dreaming from these steps across the mall. we are in one of those moments now. the pandemic, economic crisis, racial injustice, the climate crisis, and threats to our very democracy. and the question is, are we up to it? will we meet the moment like our fore bearers have? i believe we must, and i believe we will. you, the american people, are the reason why. i've never been more optimistic about america than i am this very day. there isn't anything we can't do if we do it together. and that's what you'll see tonight, stories of ordinary americans who do extraordinary things. that's how we'll celebrate america and respect and

represent america in our time in office. america is built of decency and dignity, of love and healing, of greatness and goodness, of possibilities. this is a story that guides us, inspires us, andand. i will give my all to you. may good god bless america, and may god protect our troops. >> thank you, mr. president. throughout tonight we're giving special thanks to americans who keep our nation moving forward despite all obstacles. they are our friends and they are our neighbors. they keep us from going hungry. they educate our children and make sacrifices both personal and professional to help us all

hang on for another meal, another day, until next month. we could not cope without them. by their example, they've encouraged many others to join them in performing acts of kindness and decency, and the easing of shared burdens. ♪♪ >> with love and understanding, and with small acts of kindness, you show up for each other in big ways and small ones again and again. it's what so many are doing right now for your loved ones, for complete strangers, for your communities. >> i love giving 138 care packages to senior citizens. they mean more to us than anything else. >> hi. my name is kavanaugh bell and i inspire others to change the world. because the pandemic left so many in need, i decided to make

care packs to help elderly people in my community. and now i'm able to gather supplies to give to families across the country. thanks to the people who pitched in every day to help. that's why love wins. and i am so excited to introduce the amazing song "better days." from memphis, here's aunt clemens and justin timberlake. ♪♪ ♪ there's a light at the end of the tunnel ♪ ♪ keep your eyes on the road ahead ♪ ♪ but if you feel lost in the night ♪ ♪ it's okay to cry ♪ ♪ just as long as you hold your

head ♪ ♪ because we're on our way to better better days ahead ♪ ♪ better days ahead ♪ ♪ it gets worse before it gets better ♪ ♪ but better's ahead ♪ ♪ better's ahead ♪ ♪ better days are coming ♪ ♪ better days are coming ♪ ♪ better days better days ♪ ♪ better days are coming ♪ ♪ i know you've been kicked out stepped on let down faith gone ♪ ♪ waited for too long for something to lean on ♪ ♪ you feel weak just be strong deep breath and stay calm ♪

♪ best on, you're going to see there's a light at the end of the tunnel ♪ ♪ keep your eyes on the road ahead ♪ ♪ and if you feeling lost in the night ♪ ♪ it's okay to cry ♪ ♪ just as long as you hold your head ♪ ♪ because we're on our way to better ♪ ♪ better days ahead ♪ ♪ better's ahead ♪ ♪ it gets worse before it gets better ♪ ♪ better's ahead ♪ ♪ better's ahead ♪ ♪ better days are coming ♪ ♪ i know, i know ♪ ♪ better days are coming ♪ ♪ i know, i know ♪ ♪ better days better days ♪ ♪ better days are coming ♪ ♪ i know, i know ♪

♪ i know you feel left out stepped on keep going keep going ♪ ♪ shine bright don't dim yours for no one ♪ ♪ keep going higher and higher and higher and higher ♪ ♪ it gets it gets ♪ ♪ it gets ♪ ♪ better days better days are coming ♪ ♪ better days better days are coming ♪ ♪ i know ♪ ♪ better days better days ♪ ♪ better days are coming ♪ ♪ better days better days ♪ ♪ things will get better ♪ ♪ better better ♪ ♪ yes i know ♪ ♪ better better ♪ ♪ if you can see it, believe

it ♪ ♪ things will get better ♪ ♪ it will get better ♪ ♪ better better ♪ ♪ if you can see it believe it ♪ ♪ i know that things will get better ♪ ♪ better ♪ ♪ better ♪ ♪ better ♪ ♪ better ♪ ♪ i know better ♪ ♪ better ♪ ♪ better ♪ ♪ better ♪ ♪ i know that better days better days are coming ♪♪ ♪♪ >> more musical tributes from

across the nation are coming up when "celebrating america returns." >> tonight we honor our nation. we honor the american people's ability and desire to come together during difficult times, to emerge even stronger than before. we wanted to showcase the diversity and talent of our creative community. so to celebrate the colors and that diversity and the beauty in our lives, let's head to the austin city limits. performing "colors," this is black pumas. >> hello, we're the black pumas from austin, texas. congratulations to president biden and vice president harris. on this historic win. we hope you enjoy the music.

♪ i woke up to the morning sky first ♪ ♪ baby blue just like we rehearsed ♪ ♪ when i get up off this ground ♪ ♪ i shake leaves back down to the brown brown brown brown ♪ ♪ till i'm clean ♪ ♪ then i walk where i'd be shade by the trees ♪ ♪ by a meadow of green ♪ ♪ for about a mile ♪ ♪ i'm headed to town town town in style ♪ ♪ with all my favorite colors ♪ ♪ all my favorite colors, yes, ma'am, ♪ ♪ my sisters and my brothers ♪ ♪ see 'em like no other ♪ ♪ all my favorite colors ♪

♪ it's a good day to be ♪ ♪ a good day for me ♪ ♪ a good day to see ♪ ♪ my favorite colors, colors ♪ ♪ my sisters and my brothers ♪ ♪ they see 'em like no other ♪ ♪ all my favorite colors ♪ ♪ whether baby birds flies ♪ ♪ and gray clouds or white walls or blue skies we gonna fly ♪ ♪ now gon ♪ ♪, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ♪

♪ at least i can say i anticipate a homecoming parade in the morning darling, sweet morning ♪ ♪ with all my favorite colors, yes, sir, ♪ ♪ all my favorite colors right on ♪ ♪ my sisters and my brothers ♪ ♪ see 'em like no other ♪ ♪ all my favorite colors ♪ ♪ it's a good day for me ♪ ♪ a good day for me ♪ ♪ a good day to see my favorite colors, colors ♪ ♪ my sisters and my brothers ♪ ♪ they see 'em like no other ♪ ♪ all my favorite colors ♪♪

♪♪ >> welcome back, america, to your celebration. we'll continue to recognize everyday heroes and focus on our nation's educators. we have asked much of them over the last year, and they've overcome seemingly insurmountable% changes, so let's do them honor as we look at educators from coast to coast, including one kindergarten teacher whose enthusiastic remote lessons became a viral sensation, and taught us all a little something. ♪♪ >> this whole country owes

teachers like you a debt of gratitude. you made enormous sacrifice and you showed so much creativity. everything that will be possible for our country tomorrow is going to be in large part thanks to what you do today. >> the kids give me the energy. i feed right off of them. seeing their smiles and their laughter i do it for them. >> good evening, everyone. i'm mackenzie adams in seattle, washington. my passionate is jaejds young minds, whether in the classroom or through a computer screen. it's been a difficult year for our students, and i am so proud of all the teachers, parents, and students across the country who have adapted and made the best out of a tough time. so for all my fellow teachers, for all of my kid doze at glenwood elementary school and for all of you watching at home, here's seattle's own foo fighters. >> mckenzie adams reminds me off another outstanding teacher who

holds a special place in my heart, my mother, virginia. who was a public school teacher for 35 years. like mckenzie and dr. jill biden, she was also a mentor to her students, remembered long after their graduation. this year our teachers were faced with unprecedented challenges. but through dedication and creativity, they faced those challenges head on. so this next song is for mckenzie and all of our unshakable teachers that continue to enlighten our kids every day. this is called "times like these." ♪ i i'm a one way motorway ♪ ♪ i'm the one that drives away ♪ ♪ then follows you back home ♪

♪ i, i'm a street light shining ♪ ♪ i'm a wild light blinding bright ♪ ♪ burning off and on ♪ ♪ it's times like these you learn to live again ♪ it's times like these you give and give again ♪ ♪ it's times like these you learn to love again ♪ ♪ it's times like these time and time again ♪

♪ i, i'm a new day rising ♪ ♪ i'm a brand-new sky to hang the stars upon tonight ♪ ♪ i, i'm a little divided ♪ ♪ do i stay or run away ♪ ♪ leave it all behind ♪ ♪ it's times like these you learn to live again ♪ ♪ it's times like these you give and you give again ♪

♪ it's times like these you learn to love again ♪ ♪ it's times like these time and time again ♪ ♪♪ ♪ oh oh oh ♪ ♪ it's times like these you learn to live again ♪ ♪ it's times like these you give and give again ♪ ♪ it's times like these you learn to love again ♪ ♪ it's times like these time and

time again ♪ ♪ it's times like these you learn to live again ♪ ♪ it's times like these you give and give again ♪ ♪ it has times like these you learn to love again ♪ ♪ it's times like these time and time again ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ >> more music, plus the vice

president, kamala harris, next on "celebrating america." >> i'm kerry washington. this day has been a long time coming. groundbreaking women have fought for their dreams and carved the path, and now kamala harris is the first black and south asian woman vice president of these united states. she is the first, but she will not be the last. the future for girls everywhere is limitless. to celebrate this historic day, some extraordinary broadway performers have come together to provide inspiration. ♪♪ ♪ 525,600 minutes ♪ ♪ 525,000 moments so dear ♪

♪ 525,600 minutes ♪ ♪ how do you measure measure a year ♪ ♪ in daylight ♪ ♪ in sunset ♪ ♪ in midnights ♪ ♪ in cups of coffee ♪ ♪ laugh and strife ♪ ♪ 525,600 minutes ♪ ♪ how do you measure ♪ ♪ a year in the life ♪ ♪ how about love ♪ ♪ how about love ♪ ♪ how about love ♪ ♪ measure in love ♪ ♪ seasons of love ♪ ♪ seasons of love ♪ ♪ five hundred twenty-five

thousand six hundred minutes ♪ ♪ five hundred twenty-five thousand journeys to plan ♪ ♪ five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes ♪ ♪ how do you measure a life of a woman or a man ♪ ♪ in truths that she learned ♪ ♪ or in times that he cried ♪ ♪ in bridges he burned ♪ ♪ or the way that she died ♪ ♪ it's time now to sing out ♪ ♪ through though the story never ends ♪ ♪ let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends ♪ ♪ every sunshine let the sunshine in ♪ ♪ the sunshine in ♪ ♪ let the sunshine ♪ ♪ let the sunshine in ♪

♪ the sunshine in ♪ ♪ come on now ♪ ♪ let the sunshine ♪ ♪ let the sunshine in ♪ ♪ the sunshine in ♪ ♪ let the sunshine ♪ ♪ let the sunshine in ♪ ♪ the sunshine in ♪ ♪ let the sunshine ♪ ♪ let the sunshine in ♪ ♪ the sunshine in ♪♪ ♪♪ >> celebrating america, welcome back. hungry continues to be a

heartbreaking reality in our nation. during this pandemic, the number of families who go hungry has skyrocketed. once again, there are heroes all over america who saw the needs and then rose to the challenges to help their neighbors. maybe they even helped you. ♪♪ >> ending hungry and malnutrition at home and around the world is consequential. your fostering a world that is more just and peaceful. >> our lemonade fundraising, little johns give food to families who have food insecurity. >> my name is jose andres, i am a chef who believes that food is not just a luxury for the lucky

few. it's a basic human right to live free from hunger. but today we have a hunger crisis in america. 1 in 4 of our neighbors is going hungry. as an immigrant and a proud american citizen, i know how americans respond to a crisis. we need to step up through food banks, churches, and organizations like mine, world central kitchen, working with over 2,500 restaurants to prepare more than 35 million meals through this pandemic. food is the fastest way to rebuild our sense of community. we can put people back to work preparing it, and we can put lives back together by fighting hunger. everybody everyone to join this fight. we need longer tables, not higher walls, and we need more americans like 8-year-old morgan from wisconsin who set out to make america a better place by helping to feed people she's never met. >> thank you, chef andres. when i learned that kids were

going hungry because of covid, i wanted to open a lemonade stand to raise money to help. but because of social distancing, i couldn't work, so i made an online lemonade stand. we raised over $52,000, which means i have to make a lot of lemonade coupons. i'm happy to help others. now back to tom hanks. >> well, thanks, morgan. i want to be just like you. president biden has often turned to the words of irish poets for encouragement, and the pantheon of his favorite poets, stands above all others. the president has frequently quoted one poem of his for its particular relevance, inspiring him to declare that this is our moment to make hope and history rhyme. so now, to recite it at the united palace theater in his washington heights neighborhood of new york city, here's

lin-manuel miranda. >> "the cure of troy". human beings officer. they torture one another. they get hurt and get hard. no poem or play or song can fully right a wrong inflicted and endured. history says don't hope on the side of the grave, but then, once in a lifetime, the tidal wave of justice can rise up and hope and history rhyme. so hope for a great sea change on the far side of revenge, believe that a further shore is reachable from here. believe in miracles and cures and healing wells. call miracles self-healing, an utter double take of feeling. if there's fire on the mountain and lightning and storm and a god speaks from the sky, that means someone is hearing the

outcry and the birth cry at new life at its term. it means once in a lifetime that justice can rise up -- >> -- and hope and history rhyme. >> good evening, america. i'm nasa astronaut indicate rubens along with our expedition 64 crew aboard the international space station. we're 200 miles above earth and traveling at 17,500 miles per hour around its orbit. we're working with our international partners to find new scientific breakthroughs from improved vaccines to safer drinking water to help people all over the world. just as we're celebrating two decades of global cooperation in space, it's truly an honor for us to celebrate america today as we unite for this historic inaugural tradition that spans more than two centuries. >> coming up, our friends and neighbors across the country join the finale of "celebrating

america." >> last night a breathtaking moment of national unity honored the over 400,000 lives lost to covid-19. thousands of people in cities and small towns participated from san carlos apache revolutions from one world trade center to wrigley field. buildings and landmarks were illuminated, church bells rang, and cardinal wilton gregory offered a blessing. and the reflecting pool sparked a nationwide flame. this national guard memorial to lives lost featured lori marie key a detroit nurse, and a performances by yolanda adams. ♪ amazing grace ♪ ♪. >> we pray for those that have died and the families have loved

ones that they left behind. >> we gather tonight a nation in mourning, to pay tribute to the lives we have lost, that we may be physically separated, we, the american people, are united in spirit. and my abiding hope, my abiding prayer is that we emerge from this ordeal with a new wisdom. ♪ was blind but now i see ♪ >> if there are any angels in heaven, they're all nurses. we know from our family experience what you do, the courage and the pain you absorb for others. so thank you. >> to heal, we must remember it's important to do that as a nation. let us shine the lights in the

darkness along the sacred apostle reflection and remember all woman we have lost. ♪ i heard there was a secret chord ♪ ♪ that david played and it pleased the lord ♪ ♪ but you don't really care for music do you ♪ ♪ it goes like this the minor fall and the mainly lift ♪ ♪ the baffled king composing hallelujah ♪ ♪ hallelujah hallelujah ♪ ♪ hallelujah hallelujah ♪ ♪ i know that there's a god

above ♪ ♪ and all i've ever learned from love ♪ ♪ is how to shoot at someone who outdrew you ♪ ♪ it's not a cry you hear at night ♪ ♪ it's not someone who's seen the light ♪ ♪ it's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah ♪ ♪ hallelujah hallelujah ♪ ♪ hallelujah hallelujah ♪ ♪ hallelujah hallelujah ♪ ♪ hallelujah hallelujah ♪♪

♪♪ >> sarah fuller with a chance to make history and be the first woman in a power five football game. >> a goal keeper on the vanderbilt soccer team. >> sarah fuller will kick off for vanderbilt. >> ladies and gentlemen, you have witnessed history here. >> she can be the first to make an extra point at the power 5 level. >> right through there. >> entirely new generation of girls that are going to think they can do more now because of what you've done. >> i'm sarah fuller. i faced a lot of challenges as a goalkeeper on the vanderbilt university williams soccer team, and as a kicker on the football team. but seeing other women break barriers inspired me and gave me the strength to succeed.

and that's why it is such an honor to introduce a true ground-breaker, and after 232 years of waiting, being able to say these words. our nation's first woman vice president, vice president kamala harris. ♪♪ >> ladies and gentlemen, the vice president of the united states, kamala d. harris. ♪♪ ♪♪

>> good evening. it is my honor to be here, to stand on the shoulders of those who came before, to speak tonight as your vice president. in many ways, this moment embodies our character -- even in dark times, we not only dream, we do. we not only see what has been, we see what can be. we shoot for the moon and then we plant our flag on it. we are bold, fearless, and ambitious. we are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome, that we will rise up. this is american aspiration. in the middle of the civil war, abraham lincoln saw a better

future and built it with land grant colleges and the transcontinental railroad in the middle of the civil rights movement, dr. king fought for racial justice and economic justice. american aspiration is what drove the women of this nation throughout history to demand equal rights, and the authors of the bill of rights to claim freedoms that had rarely been written down before. a great experiment takes great determination. the will to do the work and then the wisdom to keep refining, keep tinkering, keep perfecting, the same determination is being realized in america today. i see it in the scientists who are transforming the future. i see it in the parents who are

nurturing generations to come, in the innovators and the educators, in everyone everywhere who is building a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities. this too is american aspiration. this is what president joe biden has called upon us to summon now, the courage to see beyond crisis, to do what is hard, to do what is good, to unite, to believe in ourselves, believe in our country, believe in what we can do together. thank you. and may god bless america. >> and now, john legend. ♪ birds flying high you know how

i feel ♪ ♪ sun in the sky you know how i feel ♪ ♪ you know how i feel ♪ ♪ it's a new dawn it's a new day ♪ ♪ it's a new life for me ♪ ♪ it's a new dawn it's a new day ♪ ♪ a new life for me ♪ ♪ ooh ♪ ♪ ♪ and i'm feeling good ♪ ♪ fish in the sea ♪ ♪ you know how i feel ♪ ♪ river running free ♪ ♪ you know how i feel ♪ ♪ blossom on a tree ♪ ♪ you know how i feel ♪ ♪ it's a new dawn ♪

♪ it's a new day ♪ ♪ it's a new life for me ♪ ♪ and i'm feeling good ♪ ♪ dragonfly out in the sun ♪ ♪ you know what i mean don't you know ♪ ♪ butterflies are having fun ♪ ♪ you know what i mean ♪ ♪ sleep in peace when day is done ♪ ♪ that's what i mean ♪ ♪ and this old world is a new world ♪ ♪ and a bold world for me ♪ ♪ stars when you shine you know how i feel ♪ ♪ scent of the pine you know how

i feel ♪ ♪, oh, freedom is mine ♪ ♪ and i know how i feel ♪ ♪ it's a new dawn ♪ ♪ it's a new day ♪ ♪ it's a new life for me ♪ ♪ and i'm feeling good ♪ ♪ and i'm feeling oh oh ♪ ♪ i'm feeling good ♪ ♪♪ ♪ yeah i'm feeling good ♪♪

>> thank you. ♪♪ >> more inspiring stories are coming up on "celebrating america." ♪♪ >> ladies and gentlemen, my name is dj cassidy. and i'd like to welcome you all to pass the mic, inaugural edition. coming to you live as we celebrate america, president joe biden and vice president kamala harris. today is the start of something new, it's a start of coming together for the soul of america, so i'm going to pass the mic around the nation to spread love from one home to another. let the celebration begin.

are you ready ozuna? >> i'm ready, cassidy, let's go. >> i'm ready too. here we go. ♪♪ ♪ bounce to the beat bounce to the beat just bounce ♪ ♪ party people in the place to be ♪ ♪ ozuna and cassidy ♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪ here we go ♪

♪♪ ♪ bounce to the beat just bounce to the beat just bounce ♪ ♪ party people in the place to be let's celebrate america with family ♪ >> hey, luis. >> what's going on? >> welcome to the celebration. >> happy to be here, let's celebrate. [ "despacito" ] >> you look so beautiful out there. ♪♪ >> feel good. ♪♪ >> i feel good. ♪♪ >> oh, yeah. ♪♪

>> we're going to dance. we're going to sing. ♪♪ >> here we go. ♪♪ >> sing. ♪♪ >> let's go! >> i'd like to thank ozuno and luis fonsi. from my home to yours and around the nation, we celebrate america, to president biden and vice president harris, we stand with you in unity, one love, shared love, spread love. ♪♪

♪♪ >> the celebration of america continues. during the past year as the pandemic exploded across the country, our nation's doctors and nurses put their lives on the line. yes, they did. to keep us safe and to tend to our ailments. the toll of these weeks of 24-hour shifts was brutal on our medical professionals. they're only human, but they found inventive ways to cope with superhuman demands. >> this crisis has showed the nation we literally couldn't survive without you all. i mean that sincerely. you've been protecting your communities for months, being called on once again as the virus surges across the nation. i want to thank you for everything you're doing to keep communities safe.

it's not . >> i'm sandra lindsay, icu nurse in new york. and the first american to officially get the covid vaccine. our nurses care for thousands of covid patients daily. we're often the last people to hold their hands. it has taken a toll on so many of us on the front lines. but i'm proud of our work and honored to represent millions of health care workers around the country. and now, from nashville, here are tyler hubbard and tim mcgraw. >> to sandra lindsay and all of our health care workers, thank you. when i was in quarantine with covid-19, i got to take a good, hard look at myself. inspired by my faith in god, i wrote this song and i send it to

tim. >> the song is a message of unity and faith. it stirred my soul and tonight especially as we look across the river at our strong, resilient city of nashville, we're honored to sing it for everyone. ♪♪ ♪ got picked on in school ♪ ♪ the things he couldn't change ♪ ♪ he'd tried his best to play it cool ♪ ♪ but in the seventh grade ♪ ♪ you either fit right in or you don't fit ♪ ♪ that's the cold hard truth ♪ ♪ i wished i would have been the friend ♪ ♪ it's time to come together you and i can make a change ♪ ♪ maybe we can make a difference make the world a better place ♪ ♪ look around we've been hateful

long enough ♪ ♪ let the good lord reunite us to this country that we love ♪ ♪ undivided ♪ ♪ ♪ you either go to church or go to jail ♪ ♪ i wish we didn't think like that ♪ ♪ why's it got to be all white or all black ♪ ♪ when are we going to try on someone's shoes sometimes ♪ ♪ when are we going to start to see from someone else's eyes ♪ ♪ i think it's time to come together you and i could make a change ♪ ♪ maybe we can make a difference ♪ ♪ make the world a better place ♪ ♪ look around and love somebody ♪ ♪ we've been hateful long enough ♪ ♪ let the good lord reunite us until this country that we love is undivided ♪ ♪ oh, yeah, ♪ ♪ undivided ♪

♪ we're all the same to god no matter what ♪ ♪ i'm tired of looking left to right so i'm just looking up ♪ ♪ i think it's time to come together you and i can make a change ♪ ♪ maybe we can make a difference ♪ ♪ make the world a better place ♪ ♪ look around and love somebody ♪ ♪ we've been hateful long enough ♪ ♪ let the good lord reunite us ♪ ♪ until this country that we love is undivided ♪ ♪ oh, yeah, undivided ♪ ♪ you either go to church or you're going to go to hell ♪ ♪ get a job or you go to jail ♪ ♪ why's it got to be all white or all black ♪♪

♪♪ >> next, presidents clinton, bush, and obama. we'll be inside the white house for our finale "celebrating america." >> despite the obstacles of the past year, we've seen americans support each other time and time again. today's parade across america, a virtual road show, featuring people from across the country paid tribute celebrate this hopeful day. >> hello, america. >> we're honored to be here today. >> i want to be here today to make american history again. ♪♪ ♪♪ >> let's get united, america. ♪♪ ♪♪

>> like america, we come from all over, so we are really one united team. >> we're united. >> in support of the promise of what's to come. ♪♪ ♪♪ >> our american spirit allows us to have hope. ♪♪ ♪♪ [ cheers ] ♪♪ [ speaking spanish ] >> we all believe that we are better when we unite together. ♪♪ ♪♪ >> boom, america born. >> we salute our commander in chief, joseph r. biden.

>> our nation's first woman vice president, vice president kamala harris. >> it is the honor of our lives. >> an event that connects and >> shine on. >> no matter who you are or where you're from. >> inspire others. >> let's get united, america. ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ >> now it's my honor to introduce three people to offer their reflections on what today meant to them and to our great country. here are presidents bill clinton, george bush, and barack obama. >> good evening, america. obviously there was a personal

element to see my former vice president become the 46th president, to see kamala harris as our first woman vice president. but more broadly, i think inaugurations signal a tradition of a peaceful transfer of power that is over two centuries old. >> well, i think the fact that the three of us are standing here talking about a peaceful transfer of power speaks to the institutional integrity of our country. >> this is an unusual thing. we are both trying to come back to normalcy, deal with totally abnormal challenges, and do what we do best, which is try to make a more perfect union. it's an exciting time. >> we got to not just listen to folks we agree with, but listen to folks we don't. one of my fondest memories of the inauguration was the grace and generosity that president bush showed me and laura bush

showed michelle. it was a reminder that we can have fierce disagreements and yet recognize each other's common humanity and that, as americans, we have more in common than what separates us. >> i think if americans would love their neighbor like they would love to be loved themselves, a lot of the division in our society would end. >> that's what this means. it's a new beginning. and everybody needs to get off their high horse and reach out to their friends and neighbors and try to make it possible. >> if, in fact, as george said, we're looking for what binds us together, the american people are strong, they're tough, they can get through hardship. and there's no problem they can't solve when we're working together. i think that was the theme joe's inaugural speech and i think all of us discovered that we're at

our best when we're all moving in the same direction. >> america's a generous country with people with great hearts. all three of us were lucky to be president of this country. >> mr. president, i'm pulling for your success, your success is our country's success, and god bless. >> you i'm glad you're there and i wish you well. you have spoken for us today. now you will lead for us. and we're ready to march with you. good luck. god bless. >> you joe, i'm proud of you and you and kamala need to know that you've got all of us here rooting for your success, keeping you in our prayers, and we will be available in any ways we can as citizens to help you guide our country forward. we wish you god speed.

>> when our former presidents unite like that, much of the rest of the world must marvel at what america is. at what americans can do. well, now we'll celebrate more of america's nurses as they are joined by our friends and neighbors for a performance of "lovely day." in los angeles, here is demi lovato. ♪♪ ♪ when i wake up in the morning, love ♪ ♪ and the sunlight hurts my eye ♪ ♪ and something weighs heavy on my mend ♪ ♪ then i look at you and the

world is all bright with me ♪ ♪ just one look at you ♪ ♪ and i know it is going to be ♪ ♪ a lovely day ♪ ♪ love day ♪ ♪ love day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ a lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ a lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ when the day that lies ahead of me ♪ ♪ seems impossible to face ♪ ♪ when someone else instead of me ♪ ♪ always seems to know the way ♪ ♪ then i look at you ♪ ♪ and the world's all right with

me ♪ ♪ just one look at you ♪ ♪ and i know it's going to be ♪ ♪ a lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ a lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ when the day that lies ahead of me ♪ ♪ seems impossible to face, oh, oh ♪ ♪ and someone else instead of me ♪ ♪ always seems to know the way ♪ ♪ oh, then i look at you ♪ ♪ then i look at you ♪ ♪ and the world's all right with me ♪ ♪ and the world's all right with

me ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ just one look at you ♪ ♪ oh ♪ ♪ and i know it's gonna ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh, a lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ i look at you ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ we're all in this together ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ oh, oh ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ yeah, yeah, yeah ♪ ♪ lovely day ♪ ♪ ooh, when you call me ♪

ladies and gentlemen, katie perry. ♪♪ ♪ do you ever feel like a passing band drifting through the wind ♪ ♪ wanting to start again ♪ ♪ do you ever feel you're so paper thin ♪ ♪ like a house of cards, one blow from caving in ♪ ♪ do you ever feel or very deep ♪ ♪ six feet under but no one seems to hear a thing ♪ ♪ do you know that there's still a chance for you ♪ ♪ because there's a spark in you ♪ ♪ the light ♪ ♪ let it shine ♪

♪ tis all the night ♪ ♪ like the 4th of july ♪ ♪ a firework ♪ ♪ show the way ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ and be sure across the cry ♪ ♪ a firework ♪ ♪ come on ♪ ♪ let your colors burst ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ you don't have to feel ♪ ♪ like a waste of space ♪ ♪ you're original ♪ ♪ cannot be replaced ♪ ♪ if you only knew what the future holds ♪ ♪ that after the hurricane comes

a rainbow ♪ ♪ maybe the reason why ♪ ♪ leading to the perfect road ♪ ♪ like a lightning bolt ♪ ♪ your heart will glow ♪ ♪ you just have the light ♪ ♪ and let it shine ♪ ♪ own the night ♪ ♪ the 4th of july ♪ ♪ baby, you're a firework ♪ ♪ go an show them what you're worth ♪ ♪ make them go oh, oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ as you shoot across the sky ♪ ♪ baby, you're a firework ♪ ♪ come on, let your colors burst ♪ ♪ make them go, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ come on ♪ ♪ it has always been because of you ♪ ♪ you, you, you ♪ ♪ and now it is time to let you through ♪ ♪ baby, you're a firework ♪ ♪ come on, show what you're worth ♪ ♪ make them go, oh, oh, oh, ♪ ♪ as you shoot across the sky ♪ ♪ make them go, oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ you're going to leave them going, oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh ♪ ♪ oh, oh, oh, look ♪

♪ yeah ♪ ♪♪ oh, yeah. fireworks in the sky over our nation's capital. january 20th, 2021. this has been a uniquely historic inauguration day. thanks to all of our performers, friends and neighbors who celebrated america with us and, once again, congratulations, president biden and vice president harris. god speed your efforts.

from the lincoln memorial, good night, america. ♪♪ those were all of the fireworks left in america, so if we need anything for any other purpose, i'm sorry, they've been used. that was an incredible ending. you see president biden and the first lady there at the white house watching the fireworks. you saw vice president harris and her husband at the lincoln memorial, also watching the fireworks. each of them speaking as part of this remarkable inaugural concert and celebration tonight, running just about 90 minutes exactly. we have seen other celebratory inaugural concerts, none done in the sort of separate, physically separate way this had to be done, but the silver lining for having to produce this in a different way is that it was perfectly, expertly produced with the most a-list of a-list

talents including one of the bravest men in show business, john legend. it takes real bravery to cover nina simone, nina simone at the lincoln memorial after vice president harris gives her first remarks as vice president. now, that is, that is brave. that's john legend. it is remarkable. we also saw from three former presidents. we saw former president obama and clinton and george w. bush, all speaking together, all wishing their best and lending their support to the incoming administration. i have never quite seen anything like this. i'm rachel maddow here in new york. thank you for being with us with our ongoing coverage of inauguration day. i'm with my friends joy reid and lawrence o'donnell. first, i