Inauguration History
“so help me God" A history of DC's most iconic ceremony
Photo Credit: Lisa Christiansen
The presidential inauguration is a ceremony to mark the commencement of a new four-year term of a president of the United States – even if the president is continuing in office for a second term. But Washington, DC hasn’t always been the Nation’s Capital. The first inauguration took place in the original nation’s capital– New York City. The Inauguration wasn’t always held on January 20th either. Due to bad weather and delays, George Washington didn’t give his inaugural address until April 30, 1789. With his right hand on a Bible, and in the presence of both sides of Congress, he repeated the words inscribed in the Constitution: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." President Washington then added the words, “So help me God," a custom followed by every President since. There have been plenty of memorable lines from some of the most famous presidential addresses. They are like a window into our nation’s history. 32
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During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called on Americans to “…finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds," while in 1933 Franklin Roosevelt reached out to citizens discouraged by the Great Depression, saying, “This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper." President John F. Kennedy inspired a generation of young people in 1961 when he urged, “…ask not what your country can do for you— ask what you can do for your country." Just to name a few!
The Inauguration Ceremony of Abraham Lincoln
