Washington, D.C. is a great place for a class trip, but visiting during the 2021 Presidential Inauguration will add a dimension that makes you and your students a part of history. As your group gathers with the thousands of other Americans that have turned out for the celebration, you'll witness the peaceful transfer of power that the United States is known and admired for across the globe. Your students will feel the emotion as the new President puts his or her hand on the bible and recites the oath that is a part of our history. It's a moment they will not only remember, but tell their grandchildren about.
There isn't a more exciting time to be in Washington DC than during the swearing-in ceremony of a new president. On this day, no matter what is happening in the country, everyone can put aside our differences and embrace the pride of being an American and grandeur of the ceremony. A celebration that binds us together and reminds us that we live in the greatest nation on Earth.
The peaceful transfer of power, a legacy of George Washington, starts with this oath:
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
After the ceremony, you'll gather to enjoy the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue. The parade features marching bands, floats, special guests and of course the President, Vice President and their families. It's even possible that our new leaders will exit their cars and walk the parade route making it possible to get some great pictures.
While your class is in Washington, you'll want to take some time to visit the sites that you've studied in the classroom. This program is everything an educational class trip was meant to be. Seeing the many historical sites in person brings to life everything you've studied and takes the events out of the pages of your textbook and makes them three-dimensional real life experiences that your students will never forget.