Donald Trump vows 'movement like we've never seen' ahead of inauguration
US President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington on Thursday ahead of his inauguration. He was welcomed by a celebratory evening concert with the majestic Lincoln Memorial for a backdrop when he vowed a “movement like we've never seen anywhere in the world.”
Trump promised to unite a nation sorely divided and clamouring for change. “You're not forgotten anymore,” he told his supporters.
“I'll see you tomorrow,” he called out. Trump will officially become the new president of the United States on Jan. 20.
The 45th US president stepped off a military jet with wife Melania at Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington. During the day, he placed a ceremonial wreath at Arlington National Cemetery, which was followed by the “Make America Great Again!” welcome concert.
At noon local time (5PM GMT) on Jan. 20, Trump will take the Oath of Office, which will be presided over by a Republican senator from Missouri and chairman of Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Activities, Roy Blunt.
The Herald Trumpets will perform four ruffles and flourishes, which are simple brass instruments with no valves. It will be followed by a 21-gun salute from the howitzers of the military district of Washington.
Trump will then deliver his speech before Blunt introduces religious leaders. His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York; Rev Dr Samuel Rodriguez of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and Pastor Paula White of New Destiny Christian Center were invited for the readings and invocations.
According to CNN, former presidents George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter will attend the event. It is expected that outgoing president Barack Obama will also attend the Trump inauguration although he is not required to do so. If he does not, he would be the first president in 96 years to snub the event.
