(WSIL) -- The United States experienced a moment in history Wednesday as the nation inaugurated a new President.
Trump says goodbye
The inaugural day started with the The former President decided not to attend the inauguration of President Joe Biden, breaking from tradition.
During his farewell address the former President said, "Goodbye. We love you. We will be back in some form." He also said it's been a great honor.
President gives farewell address at Joint Base Andrews
Kamala Harris sworn in
Now Wednesday morning. She became the first female vice president in the nation’s history, as well as the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent to hold the position.
She was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and took her oath on a Bible that once belonged to Justice Thurgood Marshall.
Vice President Kamala Harris takes the Oath of Office
Joe Biden takes the Oath
Her brief swearing in was followed by to become the 46th President of the United States.
President Biden's speech focused on unity and bringing the nation together, "We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal. We can do this if we open our souls instead of hardening our hearts."
During that address he declared "justice has prevailed."
President Joe Biden takes the Oath of Office
Welcoming the new President
After an abbreviated parade, gift giving ceremonies, and a ceremonial wreath laying, where they were welcomed by a red carpet and the sounds of "Hail to the Chief."
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden arrive at White House
Vice President Harris gets to work
After the ceremonies, This marked the start of a new Senate, in which the Democrats now have control.
This is the first time in a decade that the Democrats have control of both the White House and Senate.
Vice President Harris presides over new Senate
President Biden makes executive orders, swears in new federal staff
from the Oval Office hours after his inauguration. The first order Biden signed was related to the coronavirus pandemic. He also signed an order reentering the U.S. into the Paris climate accord.
The President then swore in nearly 1,000 federal appointees and staff in a virtual ceremony. President Biden said that if any of his appointees treat a colleague with disrespect, he will fire them "on the spot." The new president also told the group that "we have such an awful lot to do" and said that containing the pandemic and administering COVID-19 vaccines will be the "most consequential logistical thing that's ever been done in the United States."
President Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office
Pence returns to Indiana
, where he told a small crowd that serving in the White House was the greatest honor of his life.
The former Indiana governor appeared to choke up briefly as he thanked those who welcomed him, and he offered congratulations to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Pence hasn’t revealed his plans after leaving office but told the crowd that he and his wife would be moving back to Indiana this summer.
