5:01
\"We've seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it, would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy,\" she read. \"And this effort very nearly succeeded. But while democracy can be periodically delayed, It can never be permanently defeated. In this truth, in this faith, we trust. For while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.\"
Gorman was named the first Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles in 2014 and the country's first National Youth Poet Laureate three years later.
Biden was greeted with a 21-gun salute when he arrived at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, along with former first ladies Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, were present when Biden and Harris laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Trump was notably missing from the row of former presidents. Former President Jimmy Carter, who is 96 years old, sent his well wishes but was unable to travel due to COVID-19 concerns.
Three former presidents and first ladies await Pres. Biden's arrival for a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. #InaugurationDay
— ABC News (@ABC) January 20, 2021
Watch live: https://t.co/VyhlP2NZSu pic.twitter.com/7gL5Y9myDR
President Joe Biden received his first presidential escort to the White House, but without throngs of supporters on the sidelines to cheer him on.
The route from 15th Street to the White House was heavily guarded by every branch of the U.S. military, joining about 25,000 National Guard troops spread throughout the capital.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/Politics/white-house-parade-ap-ps-210120_1611175653437_hpMain_4x3t_384.jpg\")
Toward the end of the route, Biden was joined by his family after exiting \"The Beast,\" the presidential state car now adorned with the license plate \"46,\" and walked the rest of the way to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. before entering the White House for the first time as president.
BREAKING: Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States, has arrived at the White House. https://t.co/qjeUynJUdz #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/PJ7eBqyJU3
— ABC News (@ABC) January 20, 2021
Among Harris' first official acts as vice president was swearing in new members of the U.S. Senate.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/General/senators-swearing-in-03-ht-llr-210120_1611181212610_hpMain_4x3t_384.jpg\")
The incoming senators included her successor from California and the two Democratic winners of Georgia's runoff races. With the Senate now a 50-50 split, Harris can cast tiebreaking votes.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/General/senators-swearing-in-02-ht-llr-210120_1611181212601_hpMain_4x3t_384.jpg\")
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is the new majority leader, and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is the new minority leader.
Wednesday evening's \"Celebrating America\" inaugural program featured more celebrity support for the new administration, from host Tom Hanks to Bruce Springsteen, who kicked things off from the Lincoln Memorial with a performance of \"Land of Hope and Dreams.\"
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/General/inauguration-concert-for-america-01-bruce-springsteen-ap-210120_1611193219906_hpMain_4x3t_384.jpg\")
Other musical acts included Jon Bon Jovi (with a cover of \"Here Comes the Sun\"), Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake (\"Better Days\"), the Foo Fighters (\"Times Like These\"), John Legend (performing a cover of Nina Simone's \"Feeling Good\"), Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard (with their new song \"Undivided\") and Demi Lovato (with a cover of Bill Withers' \"Lovely Day\").
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/General/inauguration-concert-for-america-13-john-legend-ap-llr-210120_1611197046261_hpMain_4x3t_384.jpg\")
Celebrity chef Jose Andres addressed the food insecurity crisis during the pandemic, and \"Hamilton\" composer Lin-Manuel Miranda recited a poem by Seamus Heaney that has inspired Biden.
Katy Perry closed out the event singing \"Firework\" at the Lincoln Memorial as, fittingly, fireworks went off behind the Washington Monument.
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