Swearing-In Ceremony for President John F. Kennedy
Forty-Fourth Inaugural Ceremonies, January 20, 1961
Inaugural Address
‘And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.’
Read the address
(Words: 1364)
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to John F. Kennedy by the Honorable Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Architect of the Capitol
Forty-Fourth Inaugural Ceremonies
Architect of the Capitol
John F. Kennedy, Inaugural ceremony in progress on East Front, January 20, 1961
- Bible Used: Fitzgerald family Bible (his mother's family), closed
- Attire: Morning coat, striped trousers, top hat
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Lyndon Baines Johnson.
Library of Congress
Library of Congress
Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, standing on rostrum of the U.S. Senate.
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Location
East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DCWeather
Snow into the early morning left 8 inches on the ground. It was sunny but cold the rest of the day. Army flame throwers were used to clear snow from Pennslyvania Avenue. Estimated noon temperature of 22°F.
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Facts, Firsts & Precedents
First time a poet, Robert Frost, participated in the Inaugural program
First Roman Catholic to become President of the United States.
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Inaugural Committee
- Sen. John J. Sparkman (D-AL), Chair
- Sen. Carl T. Hayden (D-AZ)
- Sen. Styles Bridges (R-NH)
- Rep. Sam T. Rayburn (D-TX)
- Rep. John W. McCormack (D-MA)
- Rep. Charles A. Halleck (R-IN)