Inauguration Day

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Civic Historical
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every four years on January 20
Holiday emoji:: 🇺🇸

Inauguration Day marks the formal transfer of power for the U.S. President and Vice President every four years on January 20. This historic civic event sees leaders take the oath of office, followed by parades and traditional festivities. Honor the peaceful transition of power, learn about the ceremony’s rich history, and engage in civic discourse.

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

History of Inauguration Day

For over two centuries, the citizens of America have celebrated the inauguration ceremonies of many presidents and vice-presidents-elect of the United States. The very first inauguration of George Washington took place on April 30, 1789, in New York City.

The ceremonial day was moved to January 20, 1933, for different reasons including the unpredictability of the weather and to reduce the passive time for the previous president to remain in the office. If the inauguration day were to fall on a Sunday it will be postponed to January 21.

Though conventional to some extent, over the years the inauguration has been altered, especially when a seated president dies or resigns. After Abraham Lincoln died in 1865, Vice President Andrew Johnson confidentially took the presidential oath. Then after the unfortunate assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as President on an airplane. In total there are six occasions where there were no formal Inauguration ceremonies.

The most relevant requirement for swearing in the new president according to the U.S. Constitution is that the new president takes the 35-word oath issued by the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The exact words of the Oath of Office are:

“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.”

This oath has been recited 72 times by 45 presidents of the United States as of January 1, 2021.

Inauguration Day timeline

1805

The First Parade

After the swearing of Thomas Jefferson, the first-ever Inaugural parade is hosted.

1945

The White House

The fourth Inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt is held in the White House.

1991

A Planning Committee

As the event grew bigger, the Joint Committee on Inaugural ceremonies is Initiated for planning the day's events.

2021

30 Years Later

The inauguration of current President Joe R. Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris marks the 59th inauguration ceremony.

Inauguration Day FAQs

When is Inauguration Day?

Inauguration Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, January 20. While the U.S. President and Vice President are typically sworn in on this date every four years, 2026 is not an official inauguration year.

How often does Inauguration Day occur?

Inauguration Day officially occurs every four years, following a presidential election. While the date is set for January 20, the ceremony itself only takes place in years divisible by four, plus one (e.g., 2021, 2025, 2029).

What is the significance of the oath of office?

The presidential oath of office is a solemn constitutional requirement, where the incoming President pledges to ‘preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.’ It symbolizes their commitment to upholding the nation’s foundational laws.

Is Inauguration Day a federal holiday?

Yes, Inauguration Day is a federal holiday, but only for federal employees in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. This allows for security and logistical preparations for the ceremony itself.

How to Observe Inauguration Day

Cook an all-American meal
We all have our go-to specials when it comes to tasty cuisine. But today is a day to pick out some of your all-time American favorites like a sweet potato pie or rosemary chicken.
Join the parade
The parade is an American tradition anticipated by millions every year. It often comprises marching bands, dancers, drum lines, and even athletes. All marching and displaying on Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.
Watch it on television
Inauguration Day often presents itself with a series of different events and activities. If you don't want to miss a beat, then the best thing for you to do will be to stay tuned to your T.V. and follow the scheme of the occasion.

5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT INAUGURAL DAY FIRSTS

The First Lady on scene
Lady Bird Johnson was the first First Lady to participate in the ceremony; she held a Bible for Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965.
The first Inaugural Ball
The very first Ball was held at Long’s Hotel in 1809, after the inauguration of James Madison — his wife Dolley Madison was the hostess, and tickets to attend cost $4.
The first poet
The first Inaugural poem was written for John F. Kennedy in 1961 by the American Poet Robert Frost — It was titled ”Dedication.”
The first inclusive parade
Even though the first parade was in 1805, it wasn't until Lincoln’s second inauguration in 1866 that people of color were allowed to take part in the festivities.
The first time on T.V.
Previously the information concerning the Inauguration was circulated via telegraph, pictures, or radio, but the first time the ceremony was caught on video footage was in 1949, as President Harry S. Truman was giving the Inaugural address.

Why Inauguration Day is Important

It reminds us of our history
Families and students get to know about the history of the United States. Through all the theatrical performances and shows we learn about the nation’s institutions, democracy, and story.
It strengthens our unity
There is always a sense of hope during the week of this ceremony. It is a time where American citizens stand united as they hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Because it is the law
Though symbolically the goal has generally been to create a celebratory and peaceful experience that all American citizens can be a part of, by law and power of the constitution every President has to take the oath before assuming their position.