Were you one of the millions who watched the inauguration of President Biden at noon? 

Thanks to COVID—and the insurrection at the capitol earlier this month—only 1,000 “socially distanced guests” attended in person, a much different scene that the masses spilling onto the national mall in a normal year. 

Undoubtedly every viewer will claim their own highlight from today’s history.  For me, it was the poem, written and recited by 22 year-old Amanda Gorman.  I find comfort in her beginning words:

“When day comes we ask ourselves,

Where can we find light in this never-ending shade?

The loss we carry,

A sea we must wade…”

Most of us have to watch the inauguration on television every year; we can’t all physically be in Washington, D.C., of course. 

But this year, because of COVID, somehow the celebrations and festivities seemed to be more thoughtfully aimed towards all Americans… making it a silver lining for this special inauguration day of January 20, 2021.