‘Tonight we consider the United States of America’: Tom Hanks discusses a nation’s ‘hopes and dreams’ in an inspiring inaugural address as he welcomes 46th President Joe Biden
- The actor was chosen to give an opening speech at a special Celebrating America event on Wednesday night
- Hanks calls for peace and unity after four years of “deep divisions and disturbances of rancor” after Donald Trump’s presidency
- The 64-year-old star stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in fitting respect for the late former president Abraham Lincoln
- At the very end, Katy Perry sang her huge fireworks in front of the Washington Monument as fireworks lit up the night sky.
Tom Hanks spoke of the country’s united “hopes and dreams” for a “more perfect union” in his opening speech at the Celebrating America special inauguration event on Wednesday night.
The 90-minute program was broadcast over networks in the United States following the inauguration of the country’s 46th President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Ahead of performances by superstars Katy Perry, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, and Demi Lovato, the Hollywood actor delivered a powerful speech calling for peace and unity after four years of “deep divisions and troubled rancor” during Donald’s presidency. Trump.
Rousing: Tom Hanks spoke on the country’s united “hopes and dreams” for a “more perfect union” in his opening speech at the Celebrating America special event
The 64-year-old star stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in due honor to the late former President Abraham Lincoln, understood to be Hanks’ third cousin, four generations removed, who the country ran from 1861 until his assassination in 1865.
He said: ‘In the last few weeks, in the last few years, we have seen a deep separation and a troubled area in our land. But tonight we are considering the United States of America.
‘The exercise of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of our constitution, the hopes and dreams we all share for a more perfect union.’
Powerful: The 64-year-old star stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in due honor to the late former President Abraham Lincoln, understood to be Hanks’ third cousin, four generations named go away
Key Man: Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of America in Washington DC on Wednesday
He said: ‘Trust Day is about much more than swearing in our next national leaders. This day is all about seeing the benefit of our American ideology.
‘Every four years we hear the words that empower us all on the way forward, the message that can unite us, as we begin a new passage from where we are to where we can be. A journey to a common goal, to a promise of the land we promised. ‘
Bruce Spingsteen then kicked off the concert with a powerful solo performance of Land of Hope and Dreams
Reaching out: Hanks call for peace and unity after four years of “deep divisions and disturbances of rancor” over Donald Trump’s presidency
Entering his set he said: ‘Good afternoon, America. I am proud to be here in cold Washington, DC tonight.
Later in the evening Jon Bon Jovi took viewers to a performance of the Beatles classic Here Comes the Sun, which he played from Miami.
Demi Lovato appeared via video from Los Angeles with special guests, including Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and several frontline staff, to make Lovely Day.
Elsewhere John Legend believed about Nina Simone feeling good from a piano placed at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial steps.
At the very end, Katy Perry sang her huge firework in front of the Washington Monument as fireworks lit up the night sky.
Brilliant: At the end of the big show Katy Perry sang her mega-hit bonfire in front of the Washington Monument as fireworks lit up the night sky