Swearing-In Ceremony for President Woodrow Wilson
Thirty-Third Inaugural Ceremonies, March 5, 1917
Inaugural Address
‘ My Fellow Citizens: The four years which have elapsed since last I stood in this place have been crowded with counsel and action of the most vital interest and consequence.’
Read the address
(Words: 1526)
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Woodrow Wilson by the Honorable Edward D. White, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Bible Used: Same Bible used when he was sworn in as Governor of New Jersey and as President in 1913, open to Psalm 46.
- Attire: Morning coat, striped trousers, silk top hat
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Thomas R. Marshall.
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Location
East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DCWeather
Partly cloudy and windy. Estimated noon temperature of 38°F.
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Facts, Firsts & Precedents
First President to take the oath of office on Sunday. March 4, 1917 fell on a Sunday, so Wilson was sworn in privately on that day in the President's Room in the U.S. Capitol by Chief Justice Edward D. White. His public inauguration was held on Monday, March 5.
Edith Bolling Galt Wilson was the first First Lady to accompany the President both to and from the Capitol
First time women participated in the Inaugural parade.
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Inaugural Committee
- Sen. Lee S. Overman (D-NC), Chair
- Sen. Hoke Smith (D-GA)
- Sen. Francis E. Warren (R-WY)
- Rep. (D-MO)
- Rep. Finis J. Garrett (D-TN)
- Rep. William B. McKinley (R-IL)