Inauguration Day

Inauguration Day

Top left: Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Medal, 1905

Top Right: President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivering his inaugural address on the east portico of the U.S. Capitol, January 21, 1957

Bottom Left: Inauguration Day Photo; President Coolidge, First Lady Coolidge, and Senate Majority Leader Curtis

Bottom Right: The Reagans dancing the night away at a 1985 Inaugural Ball; Nancy Reagan and Ronald Reagan

 

 

 

Presidential inaugurations typically involve several key events overseen by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC):

  • Procession to the Capitol: The outgoing president accompanies the president-elect to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony, symbolizing a peaceful transfer of power.
    Vice President's Swearing-In Ceremony: The vice-president is sworn in, typically on the West Front of the Capitol.
    President's Swearing-In Ceremony: The president takes the oath of office, marking the formal beginning of their term.
    Inaugural Address: The newly sworn-in president delivers a speech outlining their vision and plans for the presidency.
    Honorary Departure: The outgoing president departs the Capitol, signifying the end of their time in office.
    Signing Ceremony: The new president signs their first official documents as President.
    Inaugural Luncheon: A luncheon hosted by the JCCIC for the president, vice-president, and guests.
    Pass in Review and Inaugural Parade: The president and vice-president review military troops and lead a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

The JCCIC is responsible for planning and executing the events surrounding the inauguration of the president and vice-president of the United States, including the swearing-in ceremonies, inaugural address, luncheon, and parade ("The JCCIC").

The National Archives website showcases the 20th Amendment, which shortened the time between presidential elections and inaugurations.  The amendment, proposed in 1932 and ratified in 1933, moved inauguration day to January 20th, expediting the transition of power.  This change addressed the previously lengthy period—from the election in November to the March 4th inauguration—which had become increasingly impractical due to improved transportation and communication ("20th Amendment: A New Inauguration Day").  

 

Key Moments in Republican Presidential Inaugurations 

Abraham Lincoln's First Inauguration (March 4, 1861): The secession of seven Southern states before Lincoln took office, created a deeply divided nation on the brink of civil war.  Lincoln appealed to national unity during the inaugural parade and address.  In 1861, the Capitol building was under construction and the incomplete dome symbolized the nation's fractured state.  Lincoln's hope for reconciliation, expressed in his inaugural address, was tragically short-lived, as the Civil War began just a month later ("Lincoln's First Inauguration").

Inaugural Medal: President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1905 inauguration marked a shift from traditional, uninspired medals to a more modern and artistic design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens ("Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Medal, 1905").

Calvin Coolidge’s Inauguration (March 4, 1925): This inauguration marked a turning point in media coverage, with radio broadcasts reaching “over 20,000,000 people,” highlighting the increasing accessibility of political events to the general public.  Coolidge's inaugural address emphasized economic recovery and prudent fiscal management, reflecting the national mood following the war and pandemic.  His quote, “I favor the policy of economy, not because I wish to save money, but because I wish to save people,” epitomized his focus on the well-being of ordinary citizens ("Calvin Coolidge’s Inauguration Day & Its Fallout").

Dwight D. Eisenhower used his address on January 21, 1957 to highlight the global challenges of the Cold War era, emphasizing the threat of international communism and the need for America to play a leading role in promoting peace, justice, and economic development worldwide ("Second Inaugural Address").

If Inauguration Day falls on a Sunday, the official swearing-in ceremony is held privately on that day to comply with the law.  The public celebrations and festivities, including the swearing-in ceremony for the public, are moved to Monday.  This occurred in 1985 for President Reagan's second inauguration ("Inauguration Facts").

 

Focus Questions for Viewing Presidential Inaugurations

  • What are you most anticipating as you watch the inauguration? 
  • How might the inauguration impact international relations?
  • What are the similarities and differences between this inauguration and the previous inauguration?
  • What ethical considerations are on your mind during the inauguration?
  • If you were a policymaker at the inauguration, what conversation would you have with the president?

 

 

Credits

americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_950153

Google LM

inaugural.senate.gov/

loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsc.02898/

loc.gov/resource/ppmsc.03317/

nps.gov/articles/000/lincoln-s-first-inauguration.htm

presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/second-inaugural-address

reaganlibrary.gov/reagans/reagan-administration/inauguration-facts

visit.archives.gov/whats-on/explore-exhibits/20th-amendment-new-inauguration-day

you.stonybrook.edu/crisisandcatharsis/2024/07/29/calvin-coolidges-inauguration-day-its-fallout/