Swearing-In Ceremony for President John F. Kennedy
Forty-Fourth Inaugural Ceremonies, January 20, 1961
Program
Inaugural Address
‘And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.’
Read the address
(Words: 1364)
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to John F. Kennedy by the Honorable Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Forty-Fourth Inaugural Ceremonies
- Bible Used: Fitzgerald family Bible (his mother's family), closed
- Attire: Morning coat, striped trousers, top hat
Vice Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to Lyndon Baines Johnson.
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Location
East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DCWeather
Snow into the early morning left 8 inches on the ground. It was sunny but cold the rest of the day. Army flame throwers were used to clear snow from Pennslyvania Avenue. Estimated noon temperature of 22°F.
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Facts, Firsts & Precedents
First time a poet, Robert Frost, participated in the Inaugural program
First Roman Catholic to become President of the United States.
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Inaugural Committee
- Sen. John J. Sparkman (D-AL), Chair
- Sen. Carl T. Hayden (D-AZ)
- Sen. Styles Bridges (R-NH)
- Rep. Sam T. Rayburn (D-TX)
- Rep. John W. McCormack (D-MA)
- Rep. Charles A. Halleck (R-IN)