President Biden’s Inauguration Day was unusual given the ongoing pandemic, but his message of uniting Americans roused optimism on the streets of Boston.
“President Biden’s speech stood out to me, as he already has a plan in place to unify the country, to bring everyone together, regardless of political view,” said Mario Tarquino, who traveled to Boston from Las Vegas to drop his son off at school.
Many said they could breathe a sigh of relief that there were no large-scale acts of violence in D.C. as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took their oaths before the Capitol — the site of a historic riot earlier in the month.
“I’m feeling wonderful about this. It’s long overdue, and very happy that there were no repercussions like last week,” New Yorker Scott Russell said.
Some Bostonians were overcome by witnessing the first woman to hold elected office in the West Wing.
“I was crying hysterically, just the significance of having a woman as the vice president was not at all lost on me,” Boston resident Karen Amero said.
The ceremony in front of the Capitol was socially distanced and dual threats of the pandemic and more unrest kept large crowds from gathering as they have on past Inauguration Days, but Grammy-winning entertainers Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Garth Brooks serenaded delighted viewers across the country.
“J. Lo was unbelievable, Lady Gaga was absolutely fantastic. I also thought Garth Brooks was fantastic,” Back Bay resident Kathleen Frain said. “I loved the prayer. I love, love this country. Come together. We all need to come together and work together as a nation.”
That message — that the nation needs to come together and heal, both physically and emotionally — seemed to resonate Wednesday with several people around Boston.
“I think it’s beautiful. The country’s name is the United States of America, and right now, it’s been feeling like divided states,” Tufts dental student Maya Sunar said.
“But I feel really hopeful,” said her Tufts dental classmate, Venus Tran.
“Uniting the country again is going to be the biggest portion of all this. I have high hopes. I’m looking forward to it,” Russell said. “I’m excited.”
BOSTON MA. JANUARY 20: Scott Russel comments on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2021 in Boston, MA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON MA. JANUARY 20: comments on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2021 in Boston, MA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - January 20, 2021: Individuals from a variety of local organizations gather for a rally calling for newly Elected President Joe Biden to hit the ground running and work to better the lives of the working people, on the Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts. (Staff photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON MA. JANUARY 20: Kathleen Frain comments on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2021 in Boston, MA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - January 20, 2021: Individuals from a variety of local organizations gather for a rally calling for newly Elected President Joe Biden to hit the ground running and work to better the lives of the working people, on the Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts. (Staff photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - January 20, 2021: Individuals from a variety of local organizations gather for a rally calling for newly Elected President Joe Biden to hit the ground running and work to better the lives of the working people, on the Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts. (Staff photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON MA. JANUARY 20: Mario Tarquino comments on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2021 in Boston, MA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - January 20, 2021: Individuals from a variety of local organizations gather for a rally calling for newly Elected President Joe Biden to hit the ground running and work to better the lives of the working people, on the Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts. (Staff photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - January 20, 2021: Individuals from a variety of local organizations gather for a rally calling for newly Elected President Joe Biden to hit the ground running and work to better the lives of the working people, on the Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts. (Staff photo by Nicolaus Czarnecki/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON MA. JANUARY 20: Karen Amero, with her dog Finn, comments on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2021 in Boston, MA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON MA. JANUARY 20: Maya Sunar and Venus Tran comment on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2021 in Boston, MA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
BOSTON MA. JANUARY 20: Karen Amero comments on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2021 in Boston, MA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
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