Tom Hanks reflects on the ‘hopes and dreams’ of a nation in rousing inauguration speech

Tom Hanks spoke of his country’s united “hopes and dreams” for “a more perfect union” in his opening speech at the Celebrating America inauguration special on Wednesday evening. 

The 90-minute programme was broadcast across networks in the United States following the inauguration of the country’s 46th President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Ahead of performances from superstars Katy Perry, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, and Demi Lovato, the Hollywood actor gave a powerful speech calling for peace and union after four years of “deep divisions and troubling rancour” during Donald Trump‘s presidency.

The 64-year-old star stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in a fitting tribute to late former president Abraham Lincoln, understood to be Hanks’ third cousin, four generations removed, who ran the country from 1861 until his assassination in 1865.  

He said: ‘The last few weeks, last few years, we’ve witnessed deep divisions and a troubling rancor in our land. But tonight we ponder the United States of America.

‘The practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of our constitution, the hope and dreams we all share for a more perfect union.’

He added: ‘Inauguration Day is about much more than the swearing in of our next national leaders. This day is about witnessing the permanence of our American ideal. 

‘Every four years we hear the words that will empower us all on the journey ahead, the message that can unite us, as we begin a new passage from where we are to where we can be. A trek to a common goal, to the promise of our promised land.’

Bruce Spingsteen then kicked off the musical entertainment with a powerful solo rendition of Land of Hope and Dreams

Introducing his set he said: ‘Good evening, America. I’m proud to be here in cold Washington, D.C. tonight.

Later in the evening Jon Bon Jovi treated viewers to a rendition of The Beatles classic Here Comes The Sun, which he performed from Miami.

Demi Lovato appeared via video from Los Angeles with special guests, including Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and several frontline workers, to perform Lovely Day.

Elsewhere John Legend belted out Nina Simone’s Feeling Good from a piano placed at the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial steps.

The epic grand finale saw Katy Perry sing her mega-hit Firework in front of the Washington Monument as fireworks lit up the night sky.