This will be the fifteenth time I’ve witnessed an inauguration, the swearing in ceremonies of a president.

January 20, 1969. My parents, grandmother, and the Myricks from across the street, gathered in the family room, focused on the black and white television set as the ceremonies of Richard Nixon’s first inauguration began.

I had turned four the previous September. I was unfamiliar with the ongoings of what was taking place. My father, an avid historian who eagerly shared his passion with his little sponge, explained the process and tradition as it came up.

It was the first time I recall hearing the musical grandeur of “Hail to the Chief.” The next time I would become enamored with a robust creation was eight years later when I first heard the opening fanfare of John Williams’ STAR WARS.

I’ve always believed Inauguration Day should be a national holiday. It’s a tip of the hat to our cherished annual July Fourth celebration.

The political party commencing its duties is of little improvement to me. The continuity of our “experiment” is the key importance.

January 20, 1969; Richard Nixon January 20, 1973; Richard Nixon August 10, 1974; Gerald Ford January 20, 1977; Jimmy Carter January 20, 1981; Ronald Reagan January 20, 1985; Ronald Reagan. January 20, 1989; George H. W. Bush January 20, 1993; Bill Clinton January 20, 1997; Bill Clinton January 20, 2001; George W. Bush. January 20, 2005; George W. Bush January 20, 2009; Barrack Obama January 20, 2013; Barrack Obama January 20, 2017; Donald Trump January 20, 2021; Joe Biden

The traditions for this inauguration have been greatly altered due to the pandemic and the hideous insurrection just two weeks before.

Our great experiment survived, and continues to survive.