The Constitution is very limited in establishing traditional guidelines for the inauguration, saying only that there should be a taking of an oath. President Washington started the tradition of the Inaugural Address. James and Dolly Madison started the tradition of a reception and an inaugural ball. Thomas Jefferson's second inauguration began the tradition of an open house at the executive mansion, but that tradition ended as a result of over eager crowds destructively overwhelming the White House.
There are a variety of firsts resulting from advancement in technology. James Buchanan was the first to be photographed, William McKinley was the first in a movie, Calvin Coolidge the first on the radio, Harry Truman the first televised, and Bill Clinton the first to be live on the internet.
Donald Trump's absence at the swearing in of Biden was the first to decline attendance since Andrew Johnson declined to attend Ulysses S. Grant's inauguration, but four other presidents had declined before him: John Adams, John Quency Adams, Martin Van Buren, and Andrew Johnson. Two other absences from the full participation were Woodrow Willson because of health and Richard Nixon because of his resignation. It is not a mandate, although most outgoing presidents have chosen to attend.
The Constitutional omission of defining guidelines for the inauguration has provided the opportunity for presidents to introduce personality into the ceremony. Only 4 presidents have included poetry. Kennedy was first, with Robert Frost. Clinton invited poets to both inaugurations, Miller Williams first and Maya Angelou to the second inauguration. Obama invited Richard Blanco and Elizabeth Alexander. Biden invited Amanda Gorman. These excerpts seemed particularly relevant today: "Who were many people coming together cannot become one people falling apart." Miller Williams. "More Kindness, dear Lord of the renewing. That is where it all had to start." James Dickey. "History, despite its wrenching pain cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." Maya Angelou.
Music has also had a place in inaugurations. Marian Anderson sang for two presidents--Eisenhower and Kennedy. Jimmy Carter is well known for his love of music of all kinds, and that was apparent at his inauguration when he included Willie Nelson's 'Crazy' sung by Linda Ronstadt, Irving Berlin's 'God Bless America' sung by Aretha Franklin, and 'Take Care of this House' by Leonard Bernstein. Biden also selected a range of musicians for his inauguration, with Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Garth Brooks. Republicans have also rocked the inaugurations with George W. Bush bringing Livin' la Vida Loca, and Reagan bringing the Beach Boys.
Much has changed since George Washington swore his oath in New York City, planned for March 4, 1789 but delayed until April 6, 1789 because harsh weather delayed the congressmen traveling to count the votes. Then, as today, there may be some bumps in the road leading up to our inaugurations, but our system has held. May the wisdom of the founding fathers and the character of those whom we have elected honor, protect and defend the constitution as they have sworn to do. As Ronald Reagan said, may our nation be "the shining city upon a hill...teeming with people of all kinds, living in harmony and peace."
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