Sixth Grade
Worksheets
What Happens on Inauguration Day?
When a new president takes office, there is an inauguration. There is a formal ceremony. The new president and vice president take the oath of office. It takes place on the first day of the new president's term. That day is January 20. After the swearing-in, there is a parade. That night, there are balls for the new president to attend. If January 20 falls on a Sunday, the new president is sworn in on that day. The public celebrations will be the next day.
The new president and vice president each take an oath. The swearing-in ceremony usually is held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Each person's oath is special. The vice president goes first. He swears to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States" and to carry out the duties of the office. A band plays the song, "Hail, Columbia." This song was composed for the inauguration of George Washington in 1789.
At noon, the new president takes his oath. He swears that he 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." The band plays "Hail to the Chief." There is a 21-gun salute. Then the new president gives his inaugural address. This is a speech that sets the tone for the next four years.
