Inauguration Day
By Tania Dooley
Officially, Inaugurations are when the President and Vice President elect take the Oath of Office before assuming their duties as President and Vice President. It used to be the Vice President took his oath on a separate occasion. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court administers the oath and then this is then followed by an Inauguration Address which is a speech setting the groundwork for how the President plans to run the country. Following that is a parade and in the evening a ball or reception filled with dancing, music, speeches, and food. Watch Inaugurations at the US Capitol.
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| Image Credit: Public Domain Via Wiki Commons The White House |
Inauguration Day is one of those important events in the United States that no matter what side of politics one is on, you can feel a sense of reverence and pride. For one, it signifies a transfer of power from one President to another, but on a grander scale it signifies hope because a new President who has been elected by the people shares what he plans to do for the country. It is a day filled with tradition and ceremony much like the most important days in one's own life.
Much like those important days there is much happening behind the scenes, from setting up the event to host hundreds of live viewers to the setting up of the residential area of the White House as the new family moves in, and the former family moves out. All this movement can be previewed in this video depicting what happens inside the White House on Inauguration day.
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| Image Credit: Archives.gov Public Domain Via Wikimedia Commons Inauguration of Jimmy Carter |
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| Image Credit: Louis Hansel via Unsplash |
This tradition is established by the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and specifies that the New President's term begins at noon on January 20th. Watch a Short History of Inauguration Days and consider the long tradition began by first President George Washington. In addition to this major transition the President elect and his family makes, the the Vice President and his or her family also moves into a new residence. Watch where they move to upon taking his or her Oath of Office here.
References and Resources
ABC News. January 20, 2017. What happens inside the White House on Inauguration Day. Retrieved January 18, 2021 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGU40RdyqFQ.
Architect of the Capitol. Inaugurations at the US Capitol. October 17, 2012. Retrieved January 18, 2021 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as5J-RUTW3w&feature=youtu.be.
CBS News. January 13, 2017. An inside look at the Vice President's residence. Retrieved January 18, 2021 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8Jsn5eqxUs.
CBS News. January 19, 2013. History of presidential inaugurations. Retrieved January 18, 2021 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIKiOED3eYw.
