National Mall Covered With 200K Flags Ahead of Biden’s Inauguration

Inauguration Day will look different this year, but those who cannot attend the event in person are being honored in a unique way.

Ahead of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ inauguration on Wednesday, the “Field of Flags” public art display of nearly 200,000 flags were placed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The flags represent the tens of thousands of people who are not able to attend the inauguration in person. There are flags of all the U.S. states and territories. There are also 56 pillars of light at the display.

The inauguration will be largely virtual amid the coronavirus pandemic and following the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6. The theme is “America United.” The display on the Mall was illuminated on Sunday evening.

Check out the posts below:

https://twitter.com/aterkel/status/1351362846626611202

Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Dr. Tony Allen previously said in a statement, “This inauguration marks a new chapter for the American people — one of healing, of unifying, of coming together, of an America united.”

“It is time to turn the page on this era of division,” he added. “The inaugural activities will reflect our shared values and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together than we are apart, just as our motto ‘e pluribus unum’ reminds us — out of many, one.”

There will also be a wreath laying ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery after the inaugural ceremonies to honor “our men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our common values,” as the Presidential Inaugural Committee writes on its website. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with their wives, will also attend.