Swearing-In Ceremony for President George H.W. Bush
Fifty-First Inaugural Ceremonies, January 20, 1989
Program
Musical Selection
“This is My Country” sung by the Harlan Boys’ Choir from Harlan, Kentucky under the direction of Mr. David Davies.
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to J. Danforth Quayle by the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Musical Selection
"God Bless America" by Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell of the U.S. Army Band
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell of the U.S. Army Band sings "God Bless America" at the Fifty-First Inaugural Ceremonies on January 20, 1989.
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to George H.W. Bush by the Honorable William Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Architect of the Capitol
Fifty-First Inaugural Ceremonies
Architect of the Capitol
Chief Justice William Rehnquist administering the oath of office to George Bush on the west front of the U.S. Capitol, with Dan Quayle and Barbara Bush looking on, January 20, 1989
- Bible Used: Family Bible, open to Matthew 5, and the Bible used by George Washington (belonging to St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 1), opened at random
- Attire: Dark business suit, silver tie
Inaugural Address
‘There is a man here who has earned a lasting place in our hearts and in our history. President Reagan, on behalf of our Nation, I thank you for the wonderful things that you have done for America.’
Read the address
(Words: 2283)
The National Anthem
Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell of the U.S. Army Band
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell of the U.S. Army Band sings the National Anthem at the Fifty-First Inaugural Ceremonies on January 20, 1989.
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Location
West Front,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DCWeather
Mostly cloudy, mild and breezy, with a noon temperature of 51°F.
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Facts, Firsts & Precedents
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Inaugural Committee
- Sen. Wendell H. Ford (D-KY), Chair
- Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D-WV)
- Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK)
- Rep. Jim Wright (D-TX)
- Rep. Thomas S. Foley (D-WA)
- Rep. Robert H. Michel (R-IL)
Video
U.S. Senate Recording Studio
The 200th anniversary of the Presidency was observed as George Bush took the executive oath on the same Bible George Washington used in 1789. The ceremony occurred on a platform on the terrace of the West Front of the Capitol. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice William Rehnquist. After the ceremony the President and Ms. Bush led the inaugural parade from the Capitol to the White House, walking along several blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue to greet the spectators.