Inauguration Day

Inauguration Day is a federal holiday observed in Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas every four years on January 20, when a new or re-elected President of the United States takes the oath of office. It marks the formal beginning of a new presidential term.

The ceremony takes place at the United States Capitol, where the President-elect is sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Vice President is sworn in first, followed by the President, who recites the oath prescribed by the Constitution.

Inauguration Day is a federal holiday specifically for the D.C. metropolitan area, including parts of Maryland and Virginia. Federal employees in the region receive the day off. When January 20 falls on a Sunday, the official oath is taken privately on that day, and the public ceremony is held on Monday, January 21.

The original inauguration date was March 4, as specified by the Constitution. George Washington's first inauguration took place on April 30, 1789, in New York City due to delays in organizing the new government. His second inauguration, and all subsequent ones until 1933, were held on March 4.

The 20th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified on January 23, 1933, moved the inauguration date from March 4 to January 20, shortening the lame-duck period between election and swearing-in. The first January 20 inauguration was Franklin D. Roosevelt's second inauguration in 1937.

When January 20 falls on a Sunday, the President takes the oath privately on Sunday and the public ceremony is held on Monday. This has happened several times, including for Presidents Eisenhower (1957), Reagan (1985), and Obama (2013).

The tradition of the inaugural address dates back to George Washington, though his second inaugural address was the shortest in history at just 135 words. William Henry Harrison gave the longest at 8,445 words in 1841 — and died of pneumonia 31 days later.

Swearing-In Ceremony: The President takes the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol, placing one hand on a Bible and reciting: \"I do solemnly swear 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.\"

Inaugural Address: The newly sworn-in President delivers a speech outlining their vision for the country. Famous addresses include Lincoln's \"with malice toward none\" (1865), Kennedy's \"ask not what your country can do for you\" (1961), and Obama's \"Yes we can\" themes (2009).

Inaugural Parade: Following the ceremony, the President leads a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. The parade features military units, marching bands, and floats from all 50 states.

Inaugural Balls: In the evening, multiple inaugural balls are held across Washington, D.C. The President and First Lady attend several balls, traditionally sharing a first dance.

Morning Church Service: Many Presidents attend a prayer service on the morning of Inauguration Day, a tradition dating back to Franklin D. Roosevelt.