Yesterday, as Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States, a sea of flags fluttered in front of the Capitol Building. They represented the crowds of people that were unable to attend the inauguration ceremony this year.
However, six “everyday” Americans were invited to be part of the event, by being featured in the Celebrating America concert special, which capped off the inauguration. Mackenzie Adams, a kindergarten (Reception) teacher from Lake Stevens, Washington, was one of those Americans.
Adams introduced a performance by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl.
Foo Fighters’ tribute to teachers at Joe Biden inauguration
Grohl began by honouring Mackenzie and his own mother, who was also a teacher, before going on to dedicate his performance to all teachers.
“Mackenzie Adams reminds me of another outstanding teacher who holds a very special place in my heart. My mother Virginia, who was a public school teacher for 35 years,” said Grohl.
“Like Mackenzie and [first lady] Dr Jill Biden, she was also a mentor to her students, remembered long after their graduation.”
He went on to speak about how this year has been particularly challenging for teachers, but that “through dedication and creativity, they faced those challenges head-on”.
On the Foo Fighters’ YouTube channel, the recording of Grohl’s performance is accompanied by the message: “To teachers everywhere, Thank You. This is in your honor.”
You can watch the full speech and performance here:
Teachers all over the world expressed their gratitude for the shout-out from the rock star.
Thank you. I am a Teacher, as are many of my closest friends. Thank you for noticing us, for praising us, and for giving us such a public platform through you. We matter too. #foofighters#teachers#InaugurationDay#davegrohl
On days when my job seems extra hard, I’m going to remember this. Dave Grohl is out here making me cry the good kind of tears. Thank you from this teacher. ??
This is not the first time that Grohl has spoken in support of teachers. The Foo Fighters frontman paid an impassioned tribute to the profession last July.
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