The inauguration on Friday marks the commencement of a new four-year presidential term. The inaugural facts listed in this piece can help you create a fun activity for the kids — or a springboard for discussion as Donald J. Trump becomes the nation’s 45th president.
The actual oath of office itself is only 35 words. The oath is traditionally administered by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the highest judicial officer in the country.
The oath varies in only one word: “swear” or “affirm.”
Occasionally it has been administered by someone other than the chief justice, due to unforeseen circumstance. Lyndon B. Johnson was inaugurated in Texas on Nov. 22, 1963, by a district judge after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
The 35 words that must be said are found under Article II, Section One, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution and are as follows: “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.”
Some presidents choose to add “So help me God,” at the end, but it is not an official part of the oath as written and therefore is not required.
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The oath varies in only one word: “swear” or “affirm.” Both words have the same legal outcome but different implications.
It is suggested that using the word “swear” may relate to certain Christians, including Quakers, who apply this Scripture literally: “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation” (James 5:12, KJV).
Affirm, which has the same legal effect, may be spoken to avoid the religious implications.
Our 14th president, Franklin Pierce, was a “northern Democrat,” born in New Hampshire, and the only president known to use “affirm” rather than “swear.”
It is not well-documented how many presidents used a Bible to rest their left hand on as they took the oath, or how many added the words, “So help me God.”
Related: Trump to Be Sworn In with Lincoln, Family Bibles
In 1865 the Sacramento Daily Union covered the second inauguration of Abraham Lincoln. The paper wrote that Lincoln finished his oath with “So help me God” — and that he kissed the Bible.
As the first Catholic president, John F. Kennedy not only used “swear” in his oath (rather than affirm), he also ended it with, “So help me God.”
Kennedy’s inauguration speech stands alone as perhaps the most quoted of them all: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country,” he so famously said. The president, who would later be assassinated in Dallas, Texas, said these words on Jan. 20, 1961.
The inauguration date itself has its own history. It wasn’t always on Jan. 20 — the first inauguration, George Washington’s, took place on April 30, 1789. His second term inauguration was held on March 4, signifying the date the federal government began operations under the United States Constitution.
For his 1905 inauguration, Theodore Roosevelt wore a ring containing a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair.
With the ratification of the 20th Amendment in 1933, the inauguration date was changed from March 4 to Jan. 20, which signified the beginning and ending of the terms of the president and vice president. This new inauguration date of Jan. 20 began in 1937.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the last president inaugurated on a day in March — March 4, 1933 — and also the first president to be inaugurated in January (Jan. 20, 1937).
With 35 short words, whether new presidents use “swear” or “affirm,” and whether “So help me, God” is added at the end or not, the torch is passed this year to a new commander-in-chief on Jan. 20, 2017 — Donald J. Trump.
Other inauguration fun facts: There was a guest at Lincoln’s inauguration in 1865 who would go down in history for the most nefarious of reasons: John Wilkes Booth, who would shoot Lincoln only a month later, can be seen in photos near the president as he delivers his inaugural address.
For his 1905 inauguration, Theodore Roosevelt wore a ring containing a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair.
Related: Historic Inaugural Addresses Trump Can Draw From
Ronald Reagan had to compete with the Super Bowl during his second inauguration, in 1985 (the San Francisco 49ers beat the Miami Dolphins 38-16, for anyone wanting a refresher).
It is time now to turn the page and put the past where it belongs, moving forward boldly with our new president. Every American should wish POTUS 45 the very best wishes — so help us God.
Lisa Ferrari is a freelance writer based in Nottingham, New Hampshire.
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