Tom Hanks addresses ‘our American ideal’ while hosting Inauguration Day special

<p>Tom Hanks addresses ‘our American ideal’ while hosting ‘Celebrating America’ Inauguration Day special</p> (Getty Images)

Tom Hanks addresses ‘our American ideal’ while hosting ‘Celebrating America’ Inauguration Day special

(Getty Images)

Tom Hanks hosted the “Celebrating America” primetime special that wrapped up a busy day of Biden-Harris inauguration events.

Standing in front if the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, Hanks, 64, told viewers, “In the last few weeks, and the last few years, we've witnessed deep divisions and a troubling rancour in our land."

"But tonight," the A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood actor said, “we ponder the United States of America, the practice 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.”

"Inauguration Day is about much more than the swearing in of our next national leaders," Hanks continued. “This day is about witnessing the permanence of our American ideal.

“Every four years we hear the words that will empower us all on the journey ahead, a message that can unite us as we begin a new passage from where we are, to where we can be,” said Hanks." “A trek to a common goal, to the promise of our promised land.”

“The keynote of this day is the presidential inaugural address,” Hanks concluded. “The new president, Republican, Democrat, lays out a vision for the nation. If the words ring out, it is not only due to the power of the oratory, it is because the dream of America has no limits and resonates well beyond any single day.”

The 90-minute primetime special celebrating the inauguration of Joe Biden went on to feature live performances by Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato and Ant Clemons, and more.

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