44TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES
JOHN F.
KENNEDY
January 20, 1961
LYNDON B.
JOHNSON
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)
THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES
The Swearing-In Ceremony:
John F. Kennedy was sworn-in as the 35th President of the United States, and Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn-in as the 37th Vice President of the United States.
Location:
East Portico, U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC
Weather:
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 Pennsylvania Avenue. Estimated noon temperature of 22°F.
Bible:
Fitzgerald family Bible (his mother’s family), closed.
FACTS, FIRSTS, AND PRECEDENTS
First time a poet, Robert Frost, participated in the inaugural program; First Roman Catholic to become President of the United States.
INVOCATION
Given by Cardinal Richard Cushing
PRAYER
Archbishop Iakovos of the Greek Orthodox Church and Reverend Dr. John Barclay of Central Christian Church
BLESSING
Offered by Rabbi Nelson Glueck
MUSICAL SELECTION
“The Star-Spangled Banner” sang by Marian Anderson
VICE PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to Lyndon Baines Johnson by Speaker of the House of Representatives Sam Rayburn.
POETRY SELECTION
“The Gift Outright” by Robert Frost
PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to John F. Kennedy by the Honorable Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
President John F. Kennedy
THE INAUGURAL LUNCHEON
Members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies hosted a luncheon in honor of the newly sworn-in President and Vice President. Approximately 200 guests including the new President, Vice President, members of their families, the Supreme Court, Cabinet designees, and members of Congressional leadership attended the event in the Capitol’s Old Senate Chamber.
THE INAUGURAL LUNCHEON
Members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies hosted a luncheon in honor of the newly sworn-in President and Vice President. Approximately 200 guests including the new President, Vice President, members of their families, the Supreme Court, Cabinet designees, and members of Congressional leadership attended the event in the Capitol’s Old Senate Chamber.
LUNCHEON MENU
Cream of Tomato Soup with crushed Popcorn
Deviled Crabment Imperial
New England Boiled Stuffed Lobster with Drawn Butter
Prime Texas Ribs of Beef au jus
String Beans Amandine or Broiled Tomato
Grapefruit and Avocado Sections with Poppyseed Dressing
Hot Garlic Bread or Butterflake Rolls
Pattiserie Bateau Blanche
Mints or Coffee