Trump's inaugural celebration begins with concert, fireworks show

Dan Ashley Image
Friday, January 20, 2017
Trump's inaugural celebration begins with concert, fireworks show
It's a big week in the nation's capital. The Trump inaugural concert and fireworks show was held on Thursday and it's just the beginning of three days of ceremony and celebrations.

WASHINGTON (KGO) -- It's a big week in the nation's capital. The Trump inaugural concert and fireworks show was held on Thursday and it's just the beginning of three days of ceremony and celebrations.

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ABC7 News Anchor Dan Ashley is live in Washington D.C. for the inauguration ceremonies.

Here's a look at how President-elect Trump is spending his final hours before taking office.

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The city is absolutely buzzing as the city and nation prepares to swear in the next president of the United States. The flags are flying and the stage is set where Donald Trump will be sworn in Friday at 12 p.m.

The president-Elect arrived in Washington D.C., going straight to a leadership luncheon at his own Trump Hotel. The inauguration events then began. Trump and VP-elect Mike Pence laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. That was followed by the start of the celebrations.

A "Make America Great Again" concert was held at the Lincoln Memorial.

Now, just hours from taking the oath of office to become America's 45th president, Trump is said to be finalizing his inaugural speech. "It's going to be a very personal and sincere statement about his vision for the country," his spokesperson said.

Trump tweeted, "The journey begins" as a tweet from First Lady Michelle Obama shared her gratitude and reflection as President Obama spends his last full day in office.

After eight years, the Obamas will spend their final night at the White House. Friday night, Trump will occupy the home.

There is great excitement but also great opposition about the new president. Many people came from the Bay Area to make their voices heard.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo traveled to Washington D.C. He isn't here for the inauguration, instead joining Mayor Ed Lee for a mayor's conference that wrapped up Thursday. He said of the new administration, "As a region, we can show the country that ideological differences don't mean that we have to have divided communities. That we can tackle challenges together," he said.

As for what he thinks about it on a national level, he said, "I know there's a different dynamic that works than at home. Frankly, I'm in local government. I feel very blessed."

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President-elect Donald Trump will officially take office Jan. 20 at an inauguration ceremony at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. you can watch the event on ABC7 News, with live reports from Dan Ashley. Follow him on Twitter here.