Swearing-In Ceremony for President Harry S. Truman

Library of Congress

Oath of Office

Administered to Harry S. Truman by the Honorable Harlan F. Stone, Chief Justice of the United States.

Bible Used: According to Truman, "There was much scurrying around to find this book on which to take the oath." It was closed while he repeated the oath, and he kissed the book when he finished.
Attire: Dark business suit

Location

Cabinet Room,
The White House
Washington, DC

Facts, Firsts & Precedents

Truman took the oath of office just two hours after he received word of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's death, which was caused by cerebral stroke.

Weather

Since 1901, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has been responsible for the planning and execution of the swearing-in ceremonies and the luncheon for the Inauguration of the President of the United States at the U.S. Capitol.