A socially-distanced inauguration ceremony for Governor Daniel J. McKee will be held on Sunday, March 7, 2021. The ceremony, which will begin at noon, will take place on the south steps of the State House.
Governor McKee will be ceremonially sworn in by Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea using the McKee family Bible. The Governor’s wife, Susan McKee, will hold the Bible. She and the Governor will be joined by their daughter Kara McKee and their son Matthew McKee and his fiancée Laura Clifford. The governor will deliver a brief inauguration address.
Other notable parts of the program include:
- Kara McKee, the Governor’s daughter, will sing the national anthem.
- The Abney family will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Governor McKee coached brothers Eric and Derrick Abney in basketball years ago. The Abneys are now grown and have children of their own who will lead the Pledge of Allegiance – Dayton, Dante and Demarco Barrette, and Amara, Aria, and Alina Abney.
- A quartet from the 88th Army Band of the Rhode Island National Guard will perform Stars and Stripes Forever.
- Reverend Dr. Christopher Abhulime of King’s Tabernacle Church will deliver the invocation.
- Tina Cane, Rhode Island’s poet laureate, will recite an inaugural poem entitled “Sunshine of Your Love.”
- Henrietta White-Holder, founder and chief executive officer of Higher Ground International will deliver words of hope.
- Major General Christopher P. Callahan will present the Governor with the ceremonial gorget.
- Father Robert Marciano, President of Bishop Hendricken High School, will deliver the benediction.
The ceremony will be televised live on Capitol Television, which can be seen on Cox Channels 15 and 61, in high definition on Cox Channel 1061, on Full Channel on Channel 15 and on Channel 34 by Verizon subscribers. The broadcast will also be streamed live online at RILegislature.gov/CapTV and on Facebook at Facebook.com/GovDanMcKee.
NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current public health and safety requirements which limit capacity of public events – only members of the public who received an invitation will be able to sit in the socially-distanced seating area. Invited guests will be required to undergo COVID-19 screenings and wear masks. Members of the public are encouraged to watch the ceremony on Capitol TV or Facebook, or through a local media outlet.
Like Newport Buzz? We depend on the generosity of readers like you who support us, to help with our mission to keep you informed and entertained with local, independent news and content. We truly appreciate your trust and support!
