Construction of 2013 Inaugural Platform Begins with the Ceremonial Driving of the “First Nail”

WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Charles E. Schumer, Chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee Lamar Alexander, Speaker of the House John A. Boehner, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today picked up hammers and symbolically began the construction of the 2013 Inaugural platform.

The First Nail Ceremony is the traditional beginning of preparations for the Presidential Inauguration and is a milestone for the upcoming 57th Presidential Inauguration. During today’s ceremony, Chairman Schumer, the other members of the JCCIC, and the Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers hammered nails into a plank on the site of the platform where the next President of the United States will take the oath of office on Monday, January 21, 2013.

“I am honored to Chair the JCCIC and to plan this uniquely American event that celebrates our democracy. When we inaugurate our President and Vice President in full view of the nation and the world, it is a symbol to all that elections matter and it is possible to transfer power peacefully every four years,” said Chairman Schumer.

“The Inauguration of our President is a moment when everyone in America stops and watches, a long moment that everyone remembers. It is a powerful display of our nation’s principles as we come together to celebrate a new beginning,” said Senator Alexander.

“Presidential Inaugurations give all Americans a chance to celebrate our democratic values,” said Senate Majority Leader Reid. “Every four years from the steps of the Capitol, the beginning of an administration brings new opportunities for our country to join together to become stronger. It is an honor to work on this historic event.”

“The Inauguration of a President is a moment for Americans to join together and look to the future with renewed determination to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. The construction of the Inaugural platform at the U.S. Capitol is a symbol of the resilience of American democracy, reflecting our unfailing commitment to government of the people, by the people, for the people,” said Speaker Boehner.

“Since 1797, when President Washington stood behind President Adams at the third Inaugural, this ceremony has represented the greatness of our Republic. The civility that defines our electoral process is a shining example to the world that in America, we are truly governed by the people. I will be honored to participate in January,” said House Majority Leader Cantor.

“Every four years, the Capitol is the home to a beautiful celebration of our democracy: the inauguration of the President of the United States,” said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. “With the First Nail Ceremony, we begin to ready the Capitol for a ceremony that will honor our Constitution, respect the decision of the American people, and renew our patriotism: the 57th swearing-in of the President of the United States.”

The 57th Presidential Inaugural will take place at noon on Monday, January 21, 2013.

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