Fun Facts About Inaugurations

FUN FACTS:

Martin Van Buren was the first President who was not born a British subject.

Woodrow Wilson's inauguration March 4, 1917 and March 5, 1917 was the first that women participated in the inaugural parade.

John F. Kennedy was the last president to wear a traditional stovepipe hat to the inauguration.

Ronald Reagan's 2nd inauguration was the first that fell on Super Bowl Sunday.

Abraham Lincoln's 2nd inauguration was the first that African-Americans participated in the parade.

The inaugural platform is constructed from scratch for each inauguration.

INAUGURATION CEREMONIES:

Morning Worship Service: Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor set the precedent of attending a church service before being sworn in.

Procession to the Capitol: President-elect and Vice President-elect, and their spouses are escorted to the White House by the JCCIC (Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies). The President-elect and outgoing President , together head to the Capitol for the swearing-in.

Vice President's Swearing-In: Before the President-elect takes the Oath of Office, the Vice President-elect will take the Oath of Office.

President's Swearing-In: The President- elect takes the Oath of Office.

Inaugural Address: Every President has given an Inaugural address. It is current custom for the President to deliver their address after being sworn-in.

Departure of the Outgoing President: After the inaugural ceremony, the outgoing President and First Lady leave the Capitol.

Inaugural Luncheon: The President is escorted to Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol for the luncheon hosted by the JCCIC.

Inaugural Parade: The President and Vice President make their way to the White House. They will then view the parade from a reviewing stand. The tradition of the parade dates back to April 30, 1789, when George Washington took the oath of office.

Inaugural Ball: A various number of balls are held throughout Washington to celebrate the occasion. The tradition of the Inaugural Ball began in 1809 with the inauguration of James Madison. It quickly turned into a highlight of Washington society, and its location became a topic of discussion.