Tom Hanks on Inauguration Day: ‘About Witnessing the Permanence of Our American Ideal’

Actor Tom Hanks is sharing a message for all Americans, and explaining how Inauguration Day is “about witnessing the permanence of our American ideal.”

While hosting the “Celebrating America” TV special for President Joe Biden’s inauguration, Hanks said at the Lincoln Memorial, “In the last few weeks, and the 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 hopes and dreams we all share for a more perfect union,” Hanks added.

The well-known actor continued to explain that Inauguration Day is “about much more than the swearing in of our next national leaders” but, “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, a 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.”

Watch his message below:

Hanks continued, “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.”

Singer-songwriter Katy Perry sang “Firework” at the end of the TV special on Wednesday night, as fireworks lit up the sky over the nation’s capital.

Watch the video below:

https://twitter.com/DavidBegnaud/status/1352089886095003648

Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday, as IJR reported on. He was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts, while Vice President Kamala Harris was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.