Told to us by Lisuhut in other post! Inauguration Day Celebration!
January 20th, 2009.
Today, January 20th, is the date enshrined in the twentieth amendment to the U.S. Constitution for the presidential inauguration. Until 1933 and the adoption of the twentieth amendment, the presidential inauguration occurred on March 4th.
The transfer of power in America from one President to another is accomplished in just a few moments and 35 words.
Each president recites the following oath, in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
This legal oath was first administered to George Washington in 1789. At the conclusion of the legal oath George Washington added "so help me God." Since that first occurrence in 1789, this oath has been administered 54 times, and in all cases the addition by George Washington, "so help me God", has been added by the man taking the oath.
The presidential oath is taken on a Bible, and it is the Bible used by George Washington that is represented on our Inauguration Day pin along with the words of commitment added by George Washington and every other man who has become the President of the United States of America: "so help me God."
When you login today, Inauguration Day, you will receive the George Washington Inaugural Bible Pin and 1000 credits in celebration of the enduring nature of the U.S. Constitution and the peaceful transfer of power which it has nourished for 220 years.