Swearing-In Ceremony for President John F. Kennedy
Forty-Fourth Inaugural Ceremonies, January 20, 1961
Program
Inaugural Address
‘And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.’
Read the address
(Words: 1364)
Presidential Oath of Office
Administered to John F. Kennedy by the Honorable Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Architect of the Capitol
Forty-Fourth Inaugural Ceremonies

Architect of the Capitol
John F. Kennedy, Inaugural ceremony in progress on East Front, January 20, 1961
- Bible Used: Fitzgerald family Bible (his mother's family), closed
- Attire: Morning coat, striped trousers, top hat
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Location
East Portico,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DCWeather
Snow into the early morning left 8 inches on the ground. It was sunny but cold the rest of the day. Army flame throwers were used to clear snow from Pennslyvania Avenue. Estimated noon temperature of 22°F.
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Facts, Firsts & Precedents
First time a poet, Robert Frost, participated in the Inaugural program
First Roman Catholic to become President of the United States.
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Inaugural Committee
- Sen. John J. Sparkman (D-AL), Chair
- Sen. Carl T. Hayden (D-AZ)
- Sen. Styles Bridges (R-NH)
- Rep. Sam T. Rayburn (D-TX)
- Rep. John W. McCormack (D-MA)
- Rep. Charles A. Halleck (R-IN)
Video
U.S. Senate Recording Studio
Heavy snow fell the night before the inauguration, but thoughts about cancelling the plans were overruled. The election of 1960 had been close, and the Democratic Senator from Massachusetts was eager to gather support for his agenda. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown that morning before joining President Eisenhower to travel to the Capitol. The Congress had extended the East Front, and the inaugural platform spanned the new addition. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Earl Warren. Robert Frost read one of his poems at the ceremony.