The Fifty-Seventh Presidential Inauguration on January 21, 2013 presented by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Swearing-In Ceremony for President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Thirty-Eighth Inaugural Ceremonies, January 20, 1937

 

Inaugural Address

‘When four years ago we met to inaugurate a President, the Republic, single-minded in anxiety, stood in spirit here.’

Read the address
(Words: 1808)

Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to Franklin D. Roosevelt by the Honorable Charles E. Hughes, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Library of Congress

  • Bible Used: Same family Bible used for his 1933 Inauguration, open to I Corinthians 13
  • Attire: Morning coat and striped trousers

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to John Nance Garner.

Library of Congress

  • Location

    East Portico,
    U.S. Capitol
    Washington, DC

    Weather

    Cold with heavy rains. Between 11 am and 1 pm, 0.69 inches of rain fell. Some sleet and freezing rain fell in the morning. Estimated noon temperature of 33°F.

  • Facts, Firsts & Precedents

    • First President Inaugurated on January 20th, a change made by the 20th Amendment to the Constitution.

    • First time the Vice President was sworn-in outdoors on the same platform with the President.

    • The President and First Lady hosted around 600 guests for a buffet luncheon at the White House in the state dining room and East Room. They served hot coffee, sandwiches, and cake.

  • Inaugural Committee