First lady Jill Biden published her first video statement to her official @FLOTUS Twitter account early Thursday morning, thanking those who contributed to the 59th presidential inauguration.
Speaking in the video, Biden said America saw “hope and optimism” in the inauguration that took place under unique circumstances, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and Capitol riot earlier this month.
More than 20,000 National Guardsmen flooded Washington, D.C., following the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol carried out by a mob of people supporting former President Trump. Much of the Capitol area was shut down and saw heightened security for the inauguration.
“As a National Guard mom, I’m grateful for our service members, first responders, civil servants who have put in hours upon hours of work to make sure that our inauguration was a reflection of the pride and promise of our nation,” Biden said. “I’m grateful for the families who supported them and I’m grateful for everyone who calls this city home who made us feel so welcome.”
“Thank you for everything you’ve done to make this inauguration special for Joe and me. But most of all, for your fellow Americans,” she said.
President Biden’s late son Beau Biden was a member of the Delaware Army National Guard, and the state National Guard headquarters was named after him in 2016.
Biden was sworn into office Wednesday afternoon as the nation’s 46th president in a ceremony seeking to unify the country amid deep divisions. The ceremony was largely scaled back due to the pandemic.
The first lady hailed the ceremony as the “culmination of thousands of people working together to create something incredible. Especially, in this uniquely difficult year.”