it's Inauguration Day...

It's 20th January in the United States - the long-awaited Inauguration Day...

I went to bed about midnight and decided I would not set the alarm to watch the ceremonies on SBS at 3:00am, linked up to ABC America... But if I woke in time, I would watch...A bit of a gamble...

Couldn't believe that the main program before the broadcast was 'War and Peace'...I would have loved to watch, but thought that I should sleep...at least for awhile...I knew that so often, if a last thought involves waking at a particular time, often that works well for me...

And here it is 2:30am...I am awake complete with coffee...And viewing Michael Portillo recounting tales of Great British Railways...a wander through Scotland to the Isle of Skye...

The first news I pick up on the USA broadcast...many members of Congress wearing body armour...tapping on their chests to let others know...That is so sad... 

But I also note everyone wears masks...and after each speaker, the podium is disinfected...

There seems to be a calm joy on this windy day touched with snow in Washington...

Lady Gaga performs the national anthem at the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden https://t.co/tcmAzrzqTx pic.twitter.com/sQZv08Twjk

— CNN (@CNN) January 20, 2021

After the brief presentation of colours, Lady Gaga sings the national anthem...Her impassioned rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' was astounding...Her voice...such power...Dressed in heavily bulbous, long red skirt + black top and black braiding through blond hair, Lady Gaga looked absolutely stunning...Her outfit was a custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture ensemble. The look was complete with a red faille skirt and a fitted navy cashmere jacket adorned with a gilded gold dove.

Jennifer Lopez belts out her version of "This Land Is Your Land" during the inauguration ceremony for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. pic.twitter.com/WbnqeI3kRl

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 20, 2021

After Kamala Harris sworn in, Jennifer Lopez, dressed all in white... - 'This Land is Your Land' + 'America the Beautiful...Her voice stirred the emotions...Beautiful...

The sun comes out to shine...

Jo Biden is sworn in as 46th President of the United States...

Bells of Howard University ring...

Inaugural address...'This is America's day. This is democracy's day...The American story depends on all of us...Unity is the path forward...'

📷: Garth Brooks sings "Amazing Grace" at #InaugurationDay

He received criticism from his largely GOP-affiliated fanbase for singing at Biden’s inauguration.

"The message they're pushing is unity, and that's right down my alley, man," he said https://t.co/jUTzRFh3vh pic.twitter.com/HxWxigAmep

— Bloomberg (@business) January 20, 2021

Garth Brooks - 'Amazing Grace'...just voice...no musical accompaniment...Invites everyone to sing last verse with him...

Amanda Gorman - National Youth Poet Laureate - 'The Hill We Climb'...Delightfully presented...As a child, she used to have a speech impediment, just as did the president.

This is America: @TheAmandaGorman https://t.co/p42qYf5j7O

— Phillipa Soo (@Phillipasoo) January 20, 2021

Congratulations to President @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris. Today, America rejoices and we’re called to unite to tackle the challenges we face. #BuildBackBetter #Inauguration2021 pic.twitter.com/oQ22Jq8H32

— Deb Haaland (@DebHaalandNM) January 20, 2021

REFLECTION: This inauguration ceremony seemed like a sacred service in a sacred place...Positive and beautiful and inspiring vibes...But most of all, a sense of welcome calm...