Tentative Calendar of Events

Swearing-In Ceremony

President George W. Bush will be sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist and deliver his second inaugural address on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. Speaker Dennis Hastert will administer the oath of office to Vice President Dick Cheney. Joining them will be their families, members of the Cabinet and Administration, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, U.S. Supreme Court, Diplomatic Corps, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other invited guests.

The Reverend Dr. Luis Leon will deliver the invocation for the ceremony and Pastor Kribyjon Caldwell will deliver the benediction. Mezzo-Sopranos, Susan Graham and Denise Graves will perform during the program. Once the Presidential oath is taken, the military will render a 21-gun salute, the Army Herald Trumpets will play “Four Ruffles and Flourishes” and the U.S. Marine Band will play “Hail to the Chief.”

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the President will join invited guests in Statuary Hall for the Congressional luncheon. After lunch, the President will be escorted by U.S. Army Major General Galen Jackman to the east side of the U.S. Capitol for the pass in review, then onto the presidential motorcade for the start of the parade.

The language of the presidential oath is specified in the Constitution. The vice-president takes the same oath as other high-ranking federal employees.

Presidential Oath:

I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God.

Vice-Presidential Oath:

I do solemnly swear 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 I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

Tickets for the swearing-in ceremony are required for the Capitol lawn, the Capitol reflecting pool, and the National Mall from 3rd to 4th Streets, NW. Beginning in January 2005, tickets will be distributed to constituents in January 2005 by both senators and representatives of the 109th Congress as well as by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. For more information on ticketing for this ceremony, go to http://inaugural.senate.gov.

The Parade

The best opportunity to participate in the inaugural events is the parade, when military and civilian bands and other fanfare will march along a 1.7 mile-route from Capitol Hill to the White House and hundreds of thousands of people are able line the route and watch.

The parade will begin about 2:30 p.m. on January 20, 2005. The parade route starts at the intersection of Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues and continues down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

Organizing this precisely timed formation of some 11,000 people, floats, vehicles and horses is no small feat. From logistical support, such as buses, warming tents and food, to security and public safety, much will be happening behind the scenes to create the flawless event that will be viewed by half-a-million spectators.

Parade preparations begin months in advance when applications are gathered from bands and other marching units from across the country on behalf of the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC). As the event gets closer, PIC selects participants for the parade.

Efforts are made to have as many states represented in the parade as possible. The parade normally lasts about two hours.

The parade is open to the general public. Bleacher seats are available from the Presidential Inaugural Committee for $15, $60, and $125, but seats are limited.

Inaugural Balls and Festivities

Inaugural balls have long been a part of the celebration of the Presidential Inauguration and lend a celebratory flair to the week’s events. The first official Inaugural ball was hosted by President James Madison in 1809, who charged an entrance fee at the door. The President and First Lady watched their guests dance from a platform, then joined them for a formal supper afterward.

Inaugural balls throughout history have continued to capture the personality and style of each incoming president. Balls are typically divided by states at hotels and other spaces throughout Washington, D.C.

Other Events

Other Inaugural events will likely include lectures, seminars, public entertainment, a prayer service and a presidential gala on the eve of the Inauguration. Inaugural festivities also include dozens of unofficial receptions and parties throughout Washington, D.C. The President and First Lady only attend the official balls.

Presidential Inaugurals set the tone for a new administration and reflect a president’s personality. From the Inaugural ball themes to the Bible chosen for the swearing-in ceremony, each inauguration develops its own style.