The President's Inaugural Address

The President's Inaugural Address

The tradition of giving a speech on inauguration day began with the very first Inauguration - President George Washington - the 30th april 1789.

Washington's most taciturn

After having taken the oath of office on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, President Washington to the Senate where he read a speech to members of Congress and other important devices.

The second inaugural took place in Philadelphia on 4 March 1793, the Senate Room in Congress building. Where   President Washington spoke the shortest inaugural speech of history - only 135 words - before he repeated the official promise.

All presidents after Washington have given a commencement speech. 

Harrisons long talk gave him pneumonia 

President William Henry Harrison has held the longest inaugural speech till now, the entire 8445 words. The speech was held on 4 March 1841 - a cold and rainy day.

He died a month later of pneumonia, which he probably suffered after having stayed so long out in the cold and wet elements on inauguration day.

President John Adams 2308 words long inaugural speech contained the longest sentence to 737 words, when he succeeded President Washington in 1797.

Following President Washington's second inaugural speech is Franklin D. Roosevelt's fourth - he held on 20 January 1945 - the second-shortest speech with its 559 words. Roosevelt wanted to have a simple ceremony at the White House in the aftermath of war.

Modern times and great speeches

In 1921, Warren G. Harding, the first president who took the inaugural speech through speakers.

In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge's inaugural speech, the first to be broadcast nationwide on radio, and in 1949 President Harry S Truman the first president to hold a televised inaugural speech.

Most presidents use the speech to give his vision of the United States and to set their goals for the nation.

Some of the most eloquent and powerful speeches are still quoted today, such as when President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, acknowledged that "we have nothing to fear but fear itself".

And in 1961, President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural speech: "And so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."