Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th President of the U.S. at noon (6 p.m. Nigerian time) on Friday, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, has announced.<\/p>\n
The ceremony is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m., with a musical prelude beforehand, according to a copy of the inauguration programme seen by the Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).<\/p>\n
Afterward, Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are slated to participate in the traditional inaugural parade, which is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. (9 p.m. Nigerian time).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe theme of the 58th Presidential Inauguration, \u2018Uniquely American,\u2019 recognises the symbolic importance of today\u2019s event.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe may consider it routine, but the inaugural ceremony remains a uniquely American expression of our constitutional system.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe peaceful transition between presidential administrations signals that we are united as a people behind an enduring republic,\u201d the programme reads.<\/p>\n
According to the programme, the framers of U.S. Constitution understood that the government they had created was imperfect, crafted from a series of compromises, and that perfection would be elusive.<\/p>\n
It said the framers also recognised that, for the American government to endure, it must have the ability to improve itself, to evolve in form and function, and to be guided by new ideas and new personalities.<\/p>\n
To accommodate that need, the framers provided for constitutional amendments, for the regular election of officials, and for the routine transfer of power.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the framers of the United States Constitution crafted our founding document, they proclaimed that \u2018We, the People\u2019 were creating a new form of government \u2018in order to form a more perfect Union\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, as we celebrate the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States, we honour this uniquely American constitutional quest.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe peaceful transition between presidential administrations signals that we are united as a people behind an enduring republic.\u201d<\/p>\n
The committee quoted that in 1981, the inaugural ceremony struck then President Ronald Reagan as being both commonplace and miraculous.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe orderly transfer of authority as called for in the Constitution routinely takes place, as it has for almost two centuries, and few of us stop to think how unique we really are.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the eyes of many in the world, this every-four-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle,\u201d Reagan said in his address.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe inaugural ceremony may be a routine event, but it remains a unique symbol of our constitutional system,\u201d the committee stated.<\/p>\n
According to reports, the ceremony opens with the call to order from Sen. Roy Blunt, followed by readings and invocations and music from the Missouri State University chorale.<\/p>\n
Pence will then take the Vice Presidential oath of office, administered by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.<\/p>\n
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs, and then Trump takes the presidential oath of office, administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.<\/p>\n
Trump will give his inaugural address, followed by more readings and a benediction and close with the national anthem.<\/p>\n
Besides Trump, his family and the Obamas, several living ex-presidents will be in attendance.<\/p>\n
Jimmy Carter was the first to say he will attend, and so will George W. Bush and former Vice President Dick Cheney also said he will be there.<\/p>\n
Both former President Bill Clinton and 2016 presidential election nominee Hillary Clinton are also slated to attend.<\/p>\n
A George H. W. Bush spokesman said he will not be there, citing health concerns.<\/p>\n
Trump was defeated Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton in the Nov 8, 2016 presidential election <\/p>\n
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