This week, President Donald Trump was re-elected as the 47th president of the United States. Although it was a frigid day and most of the activities had to move inside, the traditions of the day were still shown through.
Inauguration Day occurs every four years on either Jan 20 or Jan 21. The Inauguration ceremony takes place at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC.
“It marks the start of a new presidency and demonstrates the peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of democracy. It also allows a space for the new president to set the tone and highlight policy/agenda issues to focus on,” Social Studies teacher Jason Harnish said, “it reflects continuity in government and celebrates the will of the people as expressed through elections. “It creates a moment for the incoming executive leader to share thoughts about the goal of their presidency and the aims of their policies.”
The Inauguration is heavily guarded by police officers every four years for security. “
Me and some other officers went to the Inauguration for security in 2017,” Lt Daron Arnberg of Newport Police Department said, “more than three thousand officers from around the country were sworn in by the US Marshals.”
Just before the President-elect takes the oath of office on Inauguration Day, the Vice President-elect comes forward onto the Inaugural platform and repeats the oath.
Although the United States Constitution specifically sets forth the oath required by the President, it also says that the Vice President and other government officers should take an oath upholding the Constitution. However, it does not specify the form of the oath that they must take.
The First Congress passed an oath act on June 1, 1789, authorizing only Senators to administer the oath to the Vice President (who serves as the President of the Senate). Later that year, legislation was passed that allowed courts to administer all oaths and affirmations. Since 1789, the oath has been changed several times by Congress.
The oath reads:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
Around noon, the President recites the following oath per Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Since the first Inauguration of George Washington in 1789, the procession to the Inaugural ceremonies has provided an occasion for much celebration. The Inaugural parade that now follows the swearing-in ceremony first began as the procession, when military companies, bands, the President’s cabinet, elected officials, and friends escorted the President to the Inauguration.
The outgoing President and President-elect meet briefly before proceeding to the Swearing-In Ceremonies together.
The Inaugural address is given after the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court administers the oath. Most Presidents use this time to present their vision of the country and to set their goals for the nation. The first Inauguration address was delivered when George Washington became President on April 30, 1789. With the swearing-in ceremony complete, Washington delivered his Inauguration address.
He called upon “That Almighty Being who rules over the universe” to assist the American people in finding “liberties and happiness” under “a government instituted by themselves.”
Four years later, on March 4, 1793, Washington’s second Inauguration took place in Philadelphia, where the government had temporarily resided while the permanent capital was being built along the Potomac. The President took his oath in the small Senate chamber on the second floor of Congress Hall. Amidst a room crammed with dignitaries, Washington gave the shortest Inaugural address on record, just 135 words. His first Inaugural speech was 8445 words.
The three most impactful Inaugural speeches are Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 address, emphasizing unity after the Civil War; Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 speech, which included the line, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself; ” and John F. Kennedy’s 1961 address, which urged citizens to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,”
Three historical moments have shaped the Presidential Inauguration in the U.S. over the years. “George Washington’s 1789 Inauguration in New York City.Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 Inauguration during the Civil War. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s fourth Inauguration in 1945, was shortened due to WWII. Barack Obama’s 2009 Inauguration, the first for an African American president,” Harnish said.
There are three key symbols associated with the Inauguration.
“The Bible, used for the oath, symbolizes faith and commitment. The American flag represents the nation’s unity. The Capitol as a backdrop highlights democracy,” Harnish said.
