From CNN’s Josiah Ryan
Washington (Precise Post) – Presidential historian Timothy Naftali reminded viewers of the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington Cemetery, as President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were joined by three former presidents — Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton — in a wreath-laying ceremony.
“100 years ago on Inauguration Day, Congress decided that an unidentified soldier who died in World War I would are buried at that spot, and for 100 years, that has been a sacred spot,” said Naftali. “I cannot imagine a more poignant place for our former presidents to gather to deliver a message, a visual message of unity, at a time of anxiety, pain and suffering in our country.”
Naftali said the moment also served as a reminder that the might of America’s military belongs to the people that it had withstood any attempts to corrupt its purpose in the previous four years.
“When the history of the last four years is written, the story of our military and how it generally lived up to the highest principles of its tradition, despite the pressure to be corrupted will be a powerful story,” he said. “I think it’s also appropriate that this laying on of hands of the former presidents with President Biden is occurring at a national sacred spot also at the beating heart of our military.”
Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, said that Joe Biden is made for this moment.
“I think that the moment and the man are made for each other,” Clinton said.
Clinton said she was “relieved and grateful” to be able to attend inauguration.
“I was so relieved and grateful that we were able to celebrate the transfer of power in a peaceful way, which has been a hallmark of our country,” Clinton said. “It meant a great deal to so many Americans to see the ceremony conducted on the platform where just a few weeks ago marauders and terrorists had been attempting to stop democracy, so it really lifted my heart.”
Talking further about why Biden is the right leader for the moment, Clinton said “he brings a deep sense of empathy, rising out of his own personal experiences. But it’s a clear part of his character to listen to people, to people, try to lift people up. And I think our country right now needs a caring, compassionate, empathetic leader. And Joe Biden is all of that.”
On Kamala Harris becoming a historic vice president, Clinton said she was “thrilled.”
“But I was also delighted because she’s a friend of mine. I am convinced she’s going to be a terrific partner to Joe Biden and, you know, really put all of her experience and the expertise to work on behalf of the American people. I don’t think we could ask for anything more,” she said.(CNN)
