37TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES
PRESIDENT
FRANKLIN D.
ROOSEVELT
March 4, 1933
VICE PRESIDENT
JOHN NANCE
GARNER
March 4, 1933
INAUGURAL COMMITTEE
Sen. Joseph T. Robinson (D-AR), Chair
Sen. George W. Moses (R-NH)
Sen. Frederick Hale (R-ME)
Rep. Edward W. Pou (D-NC)
Rep. Henry T. Rainey (D-IL)
Rep. Bertrand H. Snell (R-NY)
ABOUT THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES
Franklin D. Roosevelt was sworn-in as the 32nd President of the United States, and John Nance Garner was sworn-in as the 32nd Vice President of the United States.
Location:
East Portico, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
Weather:
Mostly cloudy with a few peaks of sun. Estimated noon temperature of 42°F.
Bible Used:
Roosevelt family Bible, the same one used when Roosevelt was sworn-in as Governor of New York in 1928 and 1930, open to I Corinthians 13.
FACTS, FIRSTS, AND PRECEDENTS
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt begin tradition of morning worship service by attending St. John’s Church; FDR used the same Bible for all four of his inaugurations. It is the oldest inaugural bible, printed in 1686, and the only one written in a modern foreign language: Dutch; The Roosevelts had planned to host a buffet luncheon at the White House for several hundred guests, but Mrs. Roosevelt canceled the luncheon at the last minute out of respect for Senator Thomas J. Walsh, who died several days before. Senator Walsh had been chosen by Roosevelt to serve as attorney general.
VICE PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to John Nance Garner by outgoing Vice President Charles Curtis in the Senate Chamber at the close of the 72nd Congress.
VICE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
Delivered by Vice President John Nance Garner in the Senate Chamber.
PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to Franklin D. Roosevelt by the Honorable Charles E. Hughes, Chief Justice of the United States.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
“So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.”
President Franklin D. Roosevelt