SWEARING IN OF HARRY S. TRUMAN

April 12, 1945

Harry S. Truman took the oath of office just two hours after he received word of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death, which was caused by cerebral stroke, becoming the 33rd President of the United States.

PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE

Administered to Harry S. Truman by the Honorable Harlan F. Stone, Chief Justice of the United States.

LOCATION

Cabinet Room, The White House
Washington, D.C.

BIBLE

According to Truman, “There was much scurrying around to find this book on which to take the oath.” It was closed while he repeated the oath, and he kissed the book when he finished.