54TH INAUGURAL CEREMONIES
GEORGE W.
BUSH
January 20, 2001
DICK
CHENEY
INAUGURAL COMMITTEE
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chair
Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS)
Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT)
Rep. J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL)
Rep. Richard K. Armey (R-TX)
Rep. Richard A. Gephardt (D-MO)
THE SWEARING-IN CEREMONIES
The Swearing-In Ceremony:
George W. Bush was sworn-in as the 43rd President of the United States, and Dick Cheney was sworn-in as the 46th Vice President of the United States.
Location:
West Front, U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
Weather:
Cold and rainy, with temperature around 35°F.
Bible:
Family Bible, closed.
FACTS, FIRSTS, AND PRECEDENTS
George W. Bush had hoped to use the Masonic Bible that had been used both by George Washington in 1789, and by his father, George H. W. Bush, in 1989. This historic Bible had been transported, under guard, from New York to Washington D.C. for the Inauguration but, due to inclement weather, a family Bible was substituted instead.
OPENING MUSICAL SELECTION
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
Colonel Timothy W. Foley, Director
University of Louisville Choir, Kentucky
CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOMING REMARKS
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
WATCH HERE
INVOCATION
The Reverend Franklin Graham
WATCH HERE
MUSICAL SELECTION
Dupont Manual High School/Youth Performing Arts School Choir of Louisville, Kentucky
WATCH HERE
VICE PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to Dick Cheney
by the Honorable William Rehnquist,
Chief Justice of the United States
WATCH HERE
MUSICAL SELECTION
Staff Sergeant Alec T. Maly
“An American Medley”
WATCH HERE
PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE
Administered to George W. Bush
by the Honorable William Rehnquist
Chief Justice of the United States
WATCH HERE
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
President George W. Bush
WATCH HERE
BENEDICTION
Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell
WATCH HERE
National Anthem
Staff Sergeant Alec T. Maly
WATCH HERE
HONORARY DEPARTURE
Following the Swearing-In Ceremony on the West Front, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush saw outgoing President Bill Clinton and outgoing First Lady Hillary Clinton off from the East Front of the U.S. Capitol. The Clintons traveled to Joint Andrews by motorcade, rather than helicopter, due to the weather.
THE SIGNING CEREMONY
Following the Swearing-In Ceremonies, the President gathers in the President’s Room just off of the Senate Chamber to sign nominations and sometimes memorandums, proclamations, or executive orders. President Bush, surrounded by the JCCIC Members and the Vice President, signs the first official actions of his second term.
THE INAUGURAL LUNCHEON
Members of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies hosted a luncheon in honor of the newly sworn-in President and Vice President. Approximately 200 guests including the new President, Vice President, members of their families, the Supreme Court, Cabinet designees, and members of Congressional leadership attended the event in the Capitol’s National Statuary Hall.
INAUGURAL PAINTING
West Front, Steps of the Capitol
by Colin Campbell Cooper
OIL ON CANVAS, N.D.
Private Collection
In recognition of the 200th anniversary of the first Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., the painting West Front, Steps of the Capitol by American artist Colin Campbell Cooper was exhibited at the Inaugural Luncheon.
Cooper is best known for his modern urban impressionist landscapes. This image depicts the West Front Terrace, designed in 1874 by Frederick Law Olmstead, and the site of the 2001 Presidential Inauguration. The painting was borrowed from a private collector.
Presidential and Vice Presidential Gifts
The President and Vice President received a custom-crafted crystal bowl with solid crystal base, created by Lenox, Inc. Guests received a polished pewter box with an image of the U.S. Capitol as the building appeared on March 4, 1801.
INVOCATION
The Reverend Franklin Graham
Presentation and Toasts
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert
WATCH HERE
LUNCHEON MENU
FIRST COURSE:
Lobster Pie
SECOND COURSE;
Grenadin of Beef Supreme
THIRD COURSE:
Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
ENTERTAINMENT
United States Army Band Brass Quintet
Presentation and Toasts
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert
The Honorable Christopher J. Dodd
WATCH HERE
BENEDICTION
Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell
WATCH HERE
PASS IN REVIEW
President George W. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Second Lady Lynne Cheney, along with Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker, U.S. Army, commander of the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR), stand on the steps of the East Front to participate in the Pass in Review prior to departing the Capitol for the Inaugural Parade to the White House.