The Fifty-Seventh Presidential Inauguration on January 21, 2013 presented by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Swearing-In Ceremony for President Harry S. Truman

Forty-First Inaugural Ceremonies, January 20, 1949

Inaugural Address

‘Mr. Vice President, Mr. Chief Justice, and fellow citizens, I accept with humility the honor which the American people have conferred upon me. I accept it with a deep resolve to do all that I can for the welfare of this Nation and for the peace of the world.’

Read the address
(Words: 2273)

Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to Harry S. Truman by the Honorable Frederick Vinson, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Library of Congress

  • Bible Used: Truman used two Bibles: the first was the same Bible he used in 1945 when he was sworn in upon the death of Franklin Roosevelt, open to Matthew 5 (Beatitudes). The second was a Gutenberg facsimilie given to him by the Independence, Missouri Chamber of Commerce, opened to Exodus 20 (the Ten Commandments).
  • Attire: Morning coat, striped trousers, top hat

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to Alben W. Barkley.

Library of Congress