The Fifty-Seventh Presidential Inauguration on January 21, 2013 presented by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Swearing-In Ceremony for President George H.W. Bush

Fifty-First Inaugural Ceremonies, January 20, 1989

 

Program

Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks

  • Wendell H. Ford

Invocation

  • The Reverend Billy Graham

Musical Selection

“This is My Country” sung by the Harlan Boys’ Choir from Harlan, Kentucky under the direction of Mr. David Davies.

Vice Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to J. Danforth Quayle by the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Musical Selection

"God Bless America" by Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell of the U.S. Army Band

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Presidential Oath of Office

Administered to George H.W. Bush by the Honorable William Rehnquist, Chief Justice of the United States.

Architect of the Capitol

  • Bible Used: Family Bible, open to Matthew 5, and the Bible used by George Washington (belonging to St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 1), opened at random
  • Attire: Dark business suit, silver tie

Inaugural Address

‘There is a man here who has earned a lasting place in our hearts and in our history. President Reagan, on behalf of our Nation, I thank you for the wonderful things that you have done for America.’

Read the address
(Words: 2283)

Benediction

  • The Reverend Billy Graham

The National Anthem

Staff Sergeant Alvy Powell of the U.S. Army Band

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Location

West Front,
U.S. Capitol
Washington, DC

Weather

Mostly cloudy, mild and breezy, with a noon temperature of 51°F.

Facts, Firsts & Precedents

Inaugural Committee

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Video

U.S. Senate Recording Studio

The 200th anniversary of the Presidency was observed as George Bush took the executive oath on the same Bible George Washington used in 1789. The ceremony occurred on a platform on the terrace of the West Front of the Capitol. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice William Rehnquist. After the ceremony the President and Ms. Bush led the inaugural parade from the Capitol to the White House, walking along several blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue to greet the spectators.