MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tom Hanks will host the “Celebrating America” special for Biden's inauguration

In addition to Hanks, stars like Justin Timberkale, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons and Jon Bon Jovi are expected to appear for performances during the special

Tom Hanks will host a 90-minute primetime special titled “Celebrating America” ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration this Wednesday.

Hanks will host the special, which will be broadcast on several networks including NewsNow from Fox, ABC, CBS and Amazon Prime Video. Those without access to any of those platforms can also tune in on the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s social media pages.

In addition to Hanks, stars like Justin Timberkale, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons and Jon Bon Jovi are expected to appear for performances during the special. More celebrities are expected to be announced in the coming days.

“This inauguration presents a unique opportunity to spotlight the resilience and spirit of an America United,” said Delaware State University president and Presidential Inaugural Committee CEO Tony Allen in a statement to the outlet. “We have witnessed countless heroes this past year step up to the frontlines and serve their fellow Americans, so we are telling their stories, spreading their collective light, and celebrating the best of our country and its people with this prime-time program.”

Despite concerns about COVID-19 safety protocols and potential protests similar to the one that turned into a riot that breached the security of the U.S. Capitol building last week, Biden’s inauguration is still planned to take place in the usual spot. However, officials including the D.C. Mayor are encouraging people to stay at home and attend the event virtually.

The “Celebrating America” special will help make attending the event from home more appealing to people who may have otherwise traveled to Washington D.C.

On Monday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced the theme of Biden’s ceremony to be “America United.”

“At a time of unprecedented crisis and deep divisions, America United reflects the beginning of a new national journey that restores the soul of America, brings the country together, and creates a path to a brighter future,” the organization said in a press release announcing the theme.