What is an inauguration anyway?
What’s an inauguration and why do we have them? Well, an inauguration is a long standing American tradition. It’s a big ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the beginning of a new presidency. And it’s where the newly elected president takes his oath of office. They’re kind of a big deal– such a big deal that our Founding Fathers wrote included it in our Constitution. The 20th amendment to the Constitution specifies that the term of each elected President of the United States begins at noon on January 20 of the year following the election. Each president must take the oath of office (a whopping 35 words) before assuming the duties of the position.
What is the Oath of Office?
“I do solemnly swear 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.”
How Can I Watch?
You can watch HERE at 9AM ET on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.
What else happens on Inauguration Day?
In addition to the swearing-in-ceremony though, there are a bunch of other traditional events throughout the day. These are all planned by a special committee made up of members of Congress, called the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. They’ve got a huge job planning the day’s events. Those traditional events include:
- a special procession from the White House to the Capitol
- the swearing-in ceremony
- an inaugural address
- an honorary departure
- signing ceremony
- inaugural luncheon
- and something called a Pass in Review, also known as the inaugural parade. Chance for the new president to “inspect” and “review” the troops.
- The day ends with a bunch of fancy inaugural balls.
How will the Inauguration be different this year?
Due to COVID-19 and security threats, this year’s events will look a little different. For example, the swearing-in-ceremony, which usually attracts a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people (who have been admitted a ticket) will only allow online spectators. Local authorities have discouraged people from coming to the inauguration in an effort to prevent violence during the event as well as stem the spread of the coronavirus.
The National Mall, which is usually heavily secured during the Inauguration (and the days leading up to it), but open to those with tickets, will be closed entirely from January 15 to January 21.
Thousands of National Guard troops will be in place around the 7-foot non-scalable fence surrounding the U.S Capitol, which is topped with razor wire.
Additionally, for the first time in more than 100 years, the outgoing president, Donald Trump, will not be attending the inauguration. Only three presidents have not attended the inauguration of their successor — John Adams, John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnson.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced that instead of a real parade, there will be a virtual parade on Jan. 20.
And for the first time since 1949, there will be no inaugural balls — just a virtual celebration with celebrities.
Why is it important to teach our kids about the inauguration?
Inauguration Day gives parents an incredible opportunity to discuss our country’s rich history, traditions, and the importance of those 35 words. The presidential oath of office is so important that our Founders included it in the Constitution for a reason. Take some time this week to talk to your kids about why Inauguration Day is so important, no matter who you voted for. Here are some tips for teaching them. You never know what it will inspire them to become!
TIPS FOR TEACHING:
- Don’t assume your kids will think it’s boring. Their interest in it may surprise you–especially if you prepare them beforehand.
- Even if you didn’t vote for the person who will be our next president, Inauguration Day is still an important part of American tradition. It’s the day the president-elect becomes president. This month’s Inauguration Day is especially historic. The vice president will also be sworn in. Our new vice president will be not only the first woman vice president, but also the first black and Asian-American vice president. Again, no matter who you voted for that alone is a huge moment in our country’s history.
- The entire Inauguration Day is steeped in tradition. Instead of focusing on who won the election and who didn’t, focus on the traditions involved.
ACTIVITIES FOR INVOLVING OUR KIDS:
In addition to having conversations beforehand, here are some simple activities to get them excited:
- “Dear Mr. President” – Have your children write a letter to the new president or a letter to the outgoing president thanking him for his service (or both). Have them think about what they’d like to ask the president. What would they like him to do during his presidency? Did you know you can even email the president? If you’re lucky, they’ll even write you back!
- Read the Oath of Office – Read the presidential oath to your children before the president-elect and vice president-elect are sworn-in. Did you know the oath is only 35 words long? Discuss why they think those words might be important.
- The inauguration ceremony involves more than just the oath of office (though that’s definitely the most important part). There will be bands playing, choirs singing, poets reciting, etc. Pay attention to the performances and talk about why you think they were selected.
- Unprecedented Inauguration – We live in unprecedented times. Discuss why this year’s inauguration is so different from previous years. After the inaugural address is given, discuss what your child thinks was the most important thing said and why. What was the mood? Were there concerns?
- Inaugural Ball Costume Fun – Talk to your kids about all the inaugural balls and parties the new president gets to attend. A new president means a time to celebrate! If you got invited to an inaugural ball, what would you wear? Have your kids design something fun!
Fun Facts:
- This is the country’s 59th Inauguration
- Joe Biden will be our country’s 46th president
- The Vice President takes a different oath that is a big longer: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
- The Chief Justice usually administers the inaugural oath, with few exceptions.
