Inauguration Day, which takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 this election cycle, is the day on which the president-elect and the vice president-elect are sworn in and officially take office. The following oath of office is traditionally administered at noon by the Chief Justice of the United States on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.:
"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."
Immediately following the oath, four ruffles and flourishes and "Hail to the Chief" are played, followed by a 21-gun salute. The President then delivers an inaugural address, which is meant to set the tone for the new administration.
Click on the links below to find out more about Inauguration Day 2009 and the history of the event.
- Official site of Inauguration Day 2009, with information on tickets to the event, the parade and balls.
- Check out these sites for a history of inauguration day, from a step-by-step guide of the day's typical events to the the very first inauguration day on April 30, 1789.
- Find out more about the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, which plans and executes all Inaugural activities at the United States Capitol.
- Special presentation on the day by the Library of Congress, with historic video, images and photos, including hand-written inaugural speeches, notable events and inaugural trivia.
- An archive complete texts of each U.S. President's inaugural address, from George Washington to George W. Bush, courtesy of Yale Law School.
- Celebrate Inauguration Day with the whole family with these quizzes, printables, games and polls from FamilyEducation.com.
--- Jennifer Borders
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