What happens on Inauguration Day? A schedule of key events

  • Inauguration Day is Jan. 20 every four years
  • This will be the 2nd time it has fallen on MLK Day
  • The events will end with a military parade down Pennsylvania Avenue

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(NewsNation) — Jan. 20 marks the day President-elect Donald Trump’s vision of becoming the U.S. president once again comes true.

His inauguration coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day — a rare occurrence since MLK Day was made a national holiday in 1983. The only other time the two federal events have been on the same day was the inauguration of Bill Clinton in 1997.

What is the Inauguration Day schedule?

Every four years, the president-elect and vice president-elect are sworn into office on Jan. 20 in front of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

However, Trump’s inauguration has been moved indoors after forecasts showed bitter cold weather expected for Monday, according to NewsNation’s partner The Hill.

Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will take the oath of office in the Capitol Rotunda as opposed to the usual location at the west front of the Capitol.

Procession to Capitol: By tradition, a procession to the Capitol will kick off the events.

President Joe Biden, President-elect Trump and their spouses will travel to the White House, escorted by members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC). The two presidents will meet briefly and then proceed to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremonies.

Swearing-in ceremonies: Vance will be sworn in first, followed by Trump. The swearing-in ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. CT or 12 p.m. ET.

Inaugural address: The chief justice of the Supreme Court will deliver the oath to Trump, who will subsequently give his inaugural address. Every president since George Washington has delivered an inaugural address, according to the JCCIC.

President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office as incoming first lady Melania Trump looks on during the 58th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2017. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Outgoing presidential departure: After the ceremonies, outgoing President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will depart the Capitol by plane.

Signing ceremony: In his first official acts in office, Trump will gather with aides and members of Congress in the President’s Room to sign nominations and possibly some memorandums, proclamations or executive orders.

Luncheon: The president, first lady, guests and members of the JCCIC will have a luncheon in the Capitol, a tradition since 1953.

Military review and parade: Finally, the president and vice president will make their way to the east front steps of the Capitol where they will review the military troops, who will then lead a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. The procession will include ceremonial military regiments, citizens’ groups, marching bands and floats.

Past inaugurations

Trump’s second inauguration undoubtedly brings comparisons to past presidential welcomes.

Trump chose not to attend President Joe Biden’s inauguration, making him the first president to skip the inaugural ceremony of his successor in 152 years.

Trump will also be the first president sworn in with U.S. flags at half-staff. Flags are at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter who passed away last month.

Trump’s inauguration will coincide with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights icon on the third Monday of every January.

Inauguration Day and MLK Day will be observed on the same day for the second time in history, with President Bill Clinton’s second inauguration occurring on MLK Day in January 1997.

Trump is expected to become the second president to serve nonconsecutive terms, with Grover Cleveland winning elections in 1884 and 1892.

Former President Bill Clinton arrives with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th U.S. president on Jan. 20, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Photo by JONATHAN ERNST/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

How to watch the inauguration on NewsNation

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