One of the striking themes observed in Washington, D.C., during the weekend leading up to the inauguration and on the day itself was the overwhelming presence of long lines.

The massive lines began forming with the Trump Victory Rally held the day before the Presidential Inauguration. Throngs of excited supporters created a serpentine line that snaked through the city streets, stretching over approximately 20 blocks. The rally took place at the Capital One Arena, with gates set to open at 1 p.m. However, eager attendees braved the freezing temperatures and gathered long before, as the event was expected to draw considerable crowds eager for one of the 20,000 available seats. The determination of the first person in line was especially impressive—she arrived at 3 a.m. the night prior.

As those waiting in line stood in the biting cold, a light sleet began to fall, adding to the frigid atmosphere. Yet, the inclement weather did little to dampen the spirits of the attendees, who remained steadfast in their enthusiasm for the Celebration Rally ahead. One attendee hopeful to join the rally lined up at 8:30 a.m. Unfortunately, they could not enter the venue as the arena had already reached its capacity. Although he wasn’t able to attend, he was unbothered, saying, “It’s still a great day for America, and I am going to take it all in and enjoy it.”

When Trump took the stage and addressed the crowd, he began by saying, “We won, we won.” In response, the crowd roared with applause and began chanting U.S.A.

“Tomorrow at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline, and we begin a brand new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride,” Trump continued. 

Trump reiterated some of his top priorities upon taking office that were pivotal in his successful bid for the presidency. 

“We are going to stop the invasion of our borders, we are going to reclaim our wealth, we are going to unlock the liquid gold that is right under our feet. We are going to bring back law and order to our cities, we are going to restore patriotism to our schools, get radical left-woke ideologies the hell out of our military and out of our government, and we are going to make America great again,” Trump said. “Tomorrow, I will act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country. We have to do it. We are not going to have a country left. Before even taking office, you are already seeing results nobody expected to see.”

Trump thanked all of his supporters who filled the arena and watched from home, attributing America’s past and future successes to the patriots of the nation.

“From New York to Los Angeles, from Philadelphia to Phoenix, from Chicago to Miami, and from Houston to right here in Washington, D.C., our country was won and built by generations of patriots who gave everything they had for our rights and freedom. They were farmers and soldiers, cowboys and factory workers, steel workers, coal miners, police officers and pioneers who pushed onward and marched forward and let no obstacle stand, and nothing could get in their way. Together, they laid down the railroad, raised up the skyscrapers, built the great highways, won two world wars, defeated fascism and communism and launched American astronauts to the moon. It was hardworking patriots like you who built this country, and 75 days ago, on Nov. 5, it was hardworking patriots like you who saved our country. You saved our country.”

Trump addressed his supporters for nearly an hour. In closing, he stated, “Now, after all we have been through together, we stand on the verge of the four greatest years in American history. With your help, we will restore America’s promise and we will rebuild the nation that we all love so much . We are one people, one family and one glorious nation under God. We will never give in, we will never give up, we will never back down, and we will never ever, ever, ever surrender. We will fight, fight, fight, and we will win, win, win. And together, we will make America powerful again, we will make America wealthy again, we will make America healthy again, we will make America strong again, we will make America proud again, we will make America safe again, and we will make America great again. Thank you very much; what a great victory for everyone. Thank you, America.”

Musicians The Village People and Kid Rock took the stage along with tech-billionaire Elon Musk and actor Jon Voight at the victory rally.