The Inaugural Parade Is A Presidential Tradition

As the once-unthinkable inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the United States draws ever nearer, discussions and speculation about this undeniably historic event have passed from the theoretical to the logistical. With the controversy surrounding the Rockettes' performance at the inauguration, other event-focused queries have arisen. Given the unprecedented nature of the president-elect's campaign and all that's ensued, there's reason to wonder whether Trump will have an inaugural parade to the White House, an inauguration tradition.

At least in this instance, Trump plans on keeping with this tradition, which dates back to the inauguration of George Washington himself. Trump's inaugural parade will immediately follow the swearing-in of himself and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, according to a statement from Trump's inaugural committee. Trump and Pence will then take their Oaths of Office on the steps of the Capitol building, and then attend the presidential procession to the White House. The procession is followed by the inaugural parade, which features marching bands, dancers, and military units, all watched over by the newly sworn-in president and vice president.

True to form, Trump's inaugural parade is already the subject of controversy. On Dec. 15, NBC reported that many D.C.-area marching bands opted out of the parade, causing the inaugural committee to seek outside bands for the event. They settled on the Tupelo High School band from Mississippi, and the Texas State Strutters for the band and dance components of the parade.

While many in attendance will be reveling in the inauguration of their new president, reports of expensive, beefed-up security measures at the festivities have already begun circulating. There will reportedly be more than three dozen agencies charged with protecting attendees and the president-elect, and security costs are estimated at a whopping $100 million. The massive security expenditures are due not only to threats posed by terrorists, but also by expected crowds of protesters as well.

It's hard to say beyond the announced schedule and performers exactly what will go down at Trump's inauguration. If nothing else, The Donald will at least take part in the traditional inaugural festivities, many of which (including the parade and inaugural balls) will appeal to his sense of grandeur. It might just be a big pomp and circumstance party, but this may, at least, be a small indication of Trump bowing to American political traditions — and getting Trump to bow to anything is a feat of its own.