Biden to Skip Traditional Inaugural Parade

As expected, President-elect Biden will be skipping the traditional inaugural parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But he will still get a presidential escort to the White House after he's sworn in on Jan. 20, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Sunday. Some key Inauguration Day differences, per USA Today and CNN:

• Swearing-in: Traditionally, crowds throng Washington, DC, but this year the committee is urging everyone to stay home and participate virtually. In years past, members of Congress have received about 200,000 tickets to pass out to their constituents; this year, they will receive tickets just for themselves and a single guest. A "couple thousand" people are expected as Biden and Kamala Harris take the oath of office on the West Front of the Capitol.

• Escort: After the inaugural address and the "Pass in Review" ceremony symbolizing a peaceful transfer of power, representatives from every branch of the military will escort the Bidens down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
• Virtual parade: A virtual parade will still be held, with performances and other segments highlighting communities all over the country. Specifics will be announced in the coming weeks.
• Memorial: The night before Inauguration Day, the committee is hosting a memorial honoring those lost to the coronavirus pandemic. A lighting ceremony will take place at DC's Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

(The current president may not attend the inauguration.)