Inauguration Countdown Enters Final Hours

President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take the oath of office under unprecedented safety and security measures forced by the recent Capitol insurrection and COVID-19 pandemic. NBC's Jay Gray reports.

(NBC News) — Final preparations are underway as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.

Wednesday’s ceremony will be unlike any other, taking place in the middle of a pandemic and with security at a level higher than at any point in our nation’s history.

“I am honored, I’m truly honored to be your next president and Commander In Chief,” President-elect Biden told soldiers at a Delaware National Guard base named for his late son, Beau, prior to his departure for Washington Tuesday afternoon.

A dozen National Guard soldiers sent to Washington as part of the security operation have been relieved of duty after an intense background check. Still, officials stress at this time they’ve found no Guard connection to any extremist groups.

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