Swearing-In Ceremony for President William J. Clinton
Fifty-Third Inaugural Ceremonies, January 20, 1997
Prelude
The United States Marine Band, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Foley, Director
Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
- John Warner
Invocation
- The Reverend Billy Graham
Musical Selection
Children of the Gospel: The Next Generation. Rickey Payton, Sr., Conductor
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Albert A. Gore Jr. by the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Musical Selection
- Jessye Norman
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to William J. Clinton by the Honorable William Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Bible Used: King James Bible, given to him by grandmother, open to Isaiah 58:12 (same Bible used at his 1993 Inauguration)
- Attire: Dark business suit, burgundy tie
Inaugural Address
‘My fellow citizens: At this last Presidential inauguration of the 20th century, let us lift our eyes toward the challenges that await us in the next century.’
Read the address
(Words: 2155)
Musical Selection
Immanuel Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra; The Reverend Lynn Madden, Musical Director
Poetry Selection
- Miller Williams
Benediction
- The Reverend Gardner C. Taylor
The National Anthem
Santita Jackson and the Resurrection Choir
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Location
West Front,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DCWeather
Partly sunny with a high overcast. Winds were from the south at 7 mph. Estimated noon temperature of 34°F.
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Facts, Firsts & Precedents
First Inaugural ceremony broadcast live on the Internet.
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Inaugural Committee
- Sen. John Warner (R-VA), Chair
- Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS)
- Sen. Wendell H. Ford (D-KY)
- Rep. Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
- Rep. Richard K. Armey (R-TX)
- Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (D-MO)