The new year has just begun, and we’ve already experienced a whirlwind of changes. The second wave of coronavirus has hit countries around the world and re-enacted quarantine policies, while the release of vaccines in other areas has prompted a slow return back to normal life. We’ve faced an unprecedented wave of new protests that culminated in the storming of the Capitol. After a few short days, we also witnessed an inauguration ceremony unlike any other. Joe Biden was sworn in as the oldest president in our history, and Kamala Harris became the first female person of color to become vice president. Also, social distancing policies altered the logistics and flow of the event. The most deviant aspect of the inauguration, however, was the absence of Donald Trump, which opposed centuries of tradition. This is just one example of the underlying problem. Throughout all of the chaos and turmoil of the past few months, it has become extremely difficult for many to hold on to the core values and traditions that make this country so great. Many of the key practices and rituals that have been embedded in our culture since the beginning are starting to fade from society. These cultural changes have brought forth a new battle for our nation’s soul. As we advance into an uncertain future, we must decide as a nation what we wish to do with the traditions of our past. 

Arguably, some of the most important traditions have to do with succession. Each president has to follow certain traditions to both keep peace and provide a sense of security. Participation in these traditions helps ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Attending the succeeding president’s inauguration, giving a speech conceding the victory of their opponent, and meeting the new president at the White House are all major symbols of acceptance and peace. These symbols help the people accept the change as their preferred leader leads by example. This peaceful transition of power also makes the United States look like a strong and secure democracy. Presidents and their families showing support to each other during transitions of power show the world the American government is a cohesive unit. 

These traditions, no matter how important they seem, can and have been broken. Along with Donald Trump, many famous presidents have broken one of the most important traditions: Andrew Johnson, John Adams, and John Quincy Adams have all chosen not to attend their successor’s inauguration. This refusal to follow the norms shows the American people the lack of support that the president has for his successor. By breaking tradition, these public figures fuel political tensions in the United States. Former President Trump broke another tradition by not conceding after losing the election and claiming to be the election’s winner. Unfortunately, this sentiment became a leading factor in the riot at the Capitol, making American democracy appear weak and divided. Donald Trump and his wife broke most of the traditions except one as Trump did leave a generous letter to his successor, President Biden. Breaking traditions will divide and weaken a country’s image, and regardless of your opinion on Donald Trump, breaking these traditions conveys a message of division.  

Some might wonder why these public figures received such a strong public reaction from rejecting a few ceremonial quirks. Does it truly matter that much? The answer is yes. Traditions keep a culture alive. They are the unique set of practices that distinguish us from the rest of the world and are a living representation of our values. We have our own way of making music, celebrating occasions, eating meals, and watching sports. These are the things that make us American. The presidential inauguration ceremony is one of the most important events for us—a peaceful transition of power proves to the rest of the world that we are still the land of the free. Following the traditions of this ceremony and other important ceremonies helps to solidify national identity and brings unity to the people. 

The forefathers of this nation wanted the United States to be a society founded on the cooperation and unity of the people. They set essential precedents and traditions that would strengthen these values and wove them deep into the fabric of our culture. The observance of these customs commemorates our past: it brings the ideas of our ancestors into modern-day life. Tradition also demonstrates our respect for these critical values. The Biden administration now holds the crucial responsibility of bringing unity and peace to the American people. As our government plans for the future,  they should keep the importance of tradition in mind. We owe it to ourselves and our descendants to preserve these elements of our culture.