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WEEKLY NEWS 3: President Bush's Inauguration Day

President George W. Bush was sworn in for his second term as President on January 20, 2005. This is known as Inauguration Day. On this day, the President makes an oath to the people to serve the country.

This would be the 55th time that a President has taken the oath in the U.S. The oath is the same as when George Washington, the first President, said it April 30, 1789.

There are certain traditions for Inauguration Day, like the oath, the President placing his hand on the Bible, the location, and the songs played during the event.

William Rehnquist, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, swore the President into office. It is a tradition that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court performs this part of the ceremony.

The President’s inauguration takes place outside on Capitol Hill, where Congress meets during their session. James Madison was the first president to have his inauguration outdoors in Washington, D.C.

The President also uses this time to make a speech about his future plans for the country. Bush’s speech this year was only 21 minutes. The shortest speech was by Washington which was only 135 words. The longest speech was 10,000 words by William H. Harrison, who died a month later of pneumonia.

President Bush is the sixteenth president to be elected twice.

Bush’s wife, Laura Bush, and his twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, were at the inauguration. Former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush also attended.

--Written by Jasmine Washington

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