Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Inaugural History

Today marks the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States and the very first inauguration of an African American male President. As I listened to his 18+ minute address I was moved by this remark:

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

If you would like to read the entire speech it can be found by a simple click HERE


Barack Obama joined by wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia (not pictured), takes the oath from Chief Justice John Roberts to become 44th president at the US Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)




Today as President Barack Obama took the oath of office, he placed his hand upon the bible that Abraham Lincoln used for his swearing in. The Bible is currently part of the collections of the Library of Congress. Though there is no constitutional requirement for the use of a Bible during the swearing-in, Presidents have traditionally used Bibles for the ceremony, choosing a volume with personal or historical significance. President Obama was the first President sworn in using the Lincoln Bible since its initial use in 1861.

The Bible was originally purchased by William Thomas Carroll, Clerk of the Supreme Court, for use during Lincoln's swearing-in ceremony on March 4, 1861. The Lincoln family Bible, which is also in the Library of Congress's collection, was unavailable for the ceremony because it was packed away with the First Family's belongings, still en route from Springfield, IL, to their new home at the White House. A substitute Bible was quickly provided, and Lincoln repeated the short oath of office given by Chief Justice Roger Taney -- a moment recorded in the back of the book by the clerk of the Supreme Court.

If you missed the oath of office - here's how it went down today:




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Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution provides that: “Before [an incoming U.S. president] enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Most presidents traditionally add the words "So help me God " at the end, as did President Obama.

This is a trustworthy saying...

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