On this day, the President Elect, and Vice President Elect of the United States swears the Oath of Office. The ceremony marks the beginning of their four year term as President and Vice President. After the swearing in ceremony, the president will make his Inaugural Address to the nation.

Inauguration Day is a holiday in Washington, DC where the ceremony is held. It is marked by an Inaugural Parade. Concerts, fireworks, and other festivities are held throughout the city.

The high point of the festivities is the Inaugural Ball. The first Inaugural Ball took place on March 4, 1809. It was held by Dolley Madison to honor Thomas Jefferson. Since then the festivities around the President's Inauguration have continued to grow.

The first Presidential Inauguration took place on April 30, 1789. George Washington had been President since March 4, of that year but did not get officially sworn in until April 30. From then until 1938, US Presidents were sworn in on March 4th.

In 1938, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution changed the inauguration date to January 20. This was done to shorten the lame duck term of the existing president.

Note: This holiday is one of Calendar Mine's over 500 built-in observances.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

American (USA) Observances