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Tomorrow (Friday) people from around the world will be watching America as we inaugurate the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
The inauguration has a long and varied history, of course dating back to our first President, George Washington.
In the past, the inauguration has actually been held on various dates. For instance, Washington’s first inauguration was held in April of 1789. Between 1793 and 1933, it was traditionally held on March 4.
It was not until Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s inauguration in 1937 that a set date was established. Per the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, that date is Jan. 20.
While one would assume the Bible is the book presidents take their oath on, there is no rule that says they must and several have broken from that tradition.
John Quincy Adams took his oath on a law book. Lyndon Johnson, who was sworn in on Air Force One after the death of John F. Kennedy, actually took his oath on a Catholic missal that belonged to JFK.
The next five days will be filled with all manner of pomp and circumstance as well as some fun here and there for those who attend.
There are parades and speeches and balls to attend throughout the week.
The tradition of an Inaugural Ball was started in 1813 with the swearing in of James Madison. At times, the ball has been cancelled, for instance during World War II when there were strict wartime restrictions.
Of course, the new president will give an inaugural address after his swearing in.
The shortest address by any president was George Washington for his second term – a mere 135 words. On the other end of the spectrum was the rather wordy address by William Henry Harrison, which totaled 8,445 words.
Yes, tomorrow marks another changing of the guard for the United States. Long may she live.
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