Old Ceremony Marks New Leadership

“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.” —U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 1 Clause 8

America's first president, George Washington, took this oath in New York City on April 30, 1789. Two-hundred-twelve years later, another George will utter the exact same words at his swearing-in ceremony.

George Washington took the oath on a balcony overlooking Wall Street before a small crowd, which let out three cheers after his swearing-in.

This year, organizers say they expect "hundreds of thousands" of guests to attend a $30 million celebration for Bush. Though the scope and size are larger, many of the nuts and bolts of the 54th inaugural will be the same as they were at the first.

Evolving Traditions

A day of patriotism and tradition, Inauguration Day is a celebration that occurs just once every four years. It's held in Washington on Jan. 20, unless that falls on a Sunday, in which case it's held on Monday, Jan. 21.

Some parts of the ceremony have lasted since the first inauguration and are still very much a part of today's tradition.

President Washington, after his swearing-in, returned to the Senate chamber where he read his brief inaugural address. That tradition of an inaugural address has grown into a high-profile opportunity for the president to speak directly to the nation and the world.

The pomp and circumstance surrounding the swearing-in of the president and vice president has evolved into an elaborate affair. The first inaugural parade was held in 1809, for James Madison. The parade featured no bands or floats, only militia stationed near his home in Virginia, accompanied him to the Capitol.

“The first inaugural parade was just a few people marching along with the new president in jubilation of the event. The types of parades we have now, are so much more organized and go on for hours,” said Jim Bendat, author of Democracy’s Big Day: The Inauguration of Our President.