Swearing-In Ceremony for President Richard M. Nixon
Forty-Sixth Inaugural Ceremonies, January 20, 1969
Program
Prelude
"The Stars and Stripes Forever" by the United States Marine Band
Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
- Everett M. Dirksen
Invocation
The Right Reverend Charles Ewbank Tucker, presiding bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Musical Selection
"God Bless America" performed by the United States Marine Band under the direction of Lt. Col. Albert F. Schoepper
Prayer
Rabbi Edgar F. Magnin
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Spiro T. Agnew by the Honorable Everett M. Dirksen, Senator of the U.S. Senate.
Prayer
The Most Reverend Iakovos, primate of North and South America for the Greek Orthodox Church
Musical Selection
"This is My Country" performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir of Salt Lake City
Prayer
The Reverend Billy Graham
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Richard M. Nixon by the Honorable Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Bible Used: Two brown leather family Bibles, both open to Isaiah 2:4
- Attire: Morning coat and striped trousers
Inaugural Address
‘I ask you to share with me today the majesty of this moment. In the orderly transfer of power, we celebrate the unity that keeps us free.’
Read the address
(Words: 2123)
The National Anthem
Performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir accompanied by the United States Marine Band
Benediction
The Most Reverend Terence J. Cooke, Archbishop of New York
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Location
East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DCWeather
It was cloudy with rain and sleet later in the day. Estimated noon temperature of 35°F.
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Facts, Firsts & Precedents
Took the oath of office on two Bibles; both family heirlooms.
Nixon's Inauguration included an official, three-faith prayer service, open to the public, in the West Auditorium of the State Department.
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Inaugural Committee
- Sen. Everett M. Dirksen (R-IL), Chair
- Sen. B. Everett Jordan (D-NC)
- Sen. Michael J. Mansfield (D-MT)
- Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R-MI)
- Rep. John W. McCormack (D-MA)
- Rep. Carl B. Albert (D-OK)