On January 20, 2005, George W. Bush took the oath of office as President of the United States, the 55th time this event has occurred in our nation's history. On Thursday, April 30, 1789, General George Washington was present for the first. As the General walked to the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, thousands of people jammed into the street below gave him a thunderous ovation. Suddenly the crowd became quiet as General Washington turned toward Judge Robert R. Livingston and placed his left hand on an opened Bible sitting upon a table beside him. He raised his right hand, and swore to "faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States."
There was a pause. Then the nation's first president added his own words, unscripted and unexpected: "I swear, so help me God." The president bent over and kissed the Bible. Then Justice Livingston turned to the crowd below and cried out, "Long live George Washington, President of the United States!" People cheered. Church bells pealed. Cannons at the nearby fort fired a salute.
From that day to yesterday, every President of the United States has followed George Washington's precedent, concluding the oath of office with the words, "So help me God." |
