Inauguration Day Learning Fun

In “Inauguration Day Learning Fun,” episode #223, Meredith Curtis invites you to learn about Presidential Inaugurations the fun way! No matter who you voted for, Inauguration Day is a great time to learn about our political system and the tradition of taking an oath in a time-honored ceremony, a festive parade, and a fancy ball. Meredith provides a bit of history, where to watch it live, and fun learning ideas like scavenger hunts, choosing your own cabinet, a virtual tour of the white house, and throwing an inauguration ball.

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Show Notes

No matter who you voted for, Inauguration Day is a great time to learn about our political system and the tradition of taking an oath in a time-honored ceremony, a festive parade, and a fancy ball.

What is a Presidential Inauguration?

On Monday January 20, 2025, at noon, President Biden’s term of office ends, and President Trump’s begins. This day is called Inauguration Day.

At noon, on the steps of the US Capitol, President Trump and Vice President Vance will take their Oaths of Office.

What Other Events Take Place on Inauguration Day?

Inauguration Day is full of traditions. The first one is the Procession to the Capitol. The outgoing President escorts the new President to the Capitol for the Swearing In Ceremony.

After the Swearing In Ceremony, the new President gives his Inaugural Address. Every President from George Washington to Joe Biden has delivered a speech. Some are long and some are short!

At this point, the outgoing President and his wife leave by helicopter escorted by the new President and First Lady. After the President and Dr. Biden’s exit, President Trump and Vice-President Vance, along with their wives, will attend an Inaugural Luncheon. This traditional meal is hosted by the Joint Congression Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Another tradition is for the President and Vice-President attend a Signing Ceremony in the President’s Room in the US Capitol. The new President gathers with his aides, US Representatives, and US Senators to sign nominations, memorandums, or executive orders.

Next comes the Inaugural Parade! President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will walk down Pennsylvania Ave from the US Capitol to the White House.

I Can’t Get to Washington DC – Can I Still Watch the Ceremony?

Yes!

FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, & C-Span will air the ceremony live at noon on 1/20/25 Eastern Time.

There will also be streaming on YouTube, White House website, and & social media.

Internationally, it will be live on BBC, Sky News (UK), Al Jazeera, CBC (Canada), ABC Australia, France 24.

What Are Some Unusual Inauguration Days?

James Madison’s Inaugural Ball

President Ulysses Grant’s canaries

President Cal Coolidge quiet inauguration

President Eisenhower’s cowboy

President Nixon’s dead pigeons

Chief Justice John Roberts

Chief Justice John Roberts administers the Oath of Office.

“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.”

George Washington added, “So help me, God” and all Presidents have added “so help me God” to their oath.

President Trump’s Cabinet & Your Cabinet

A Presidential Cabinet is a group of men and women that oversee different areas of government.

If you were the President of the United States, who would you choose for your cabinet?

Inauguration Day scavenger Hunt

Watch the televised events on Inauguration Day. Make a list of things you might see at Inauguration Day events. Or create a scavenger hunt for the kids with items to check off as they watch the events unfold.

Tour The White House!

Visit this link to tour the White House Virtually!

https://www.whitehousehistory.org/tour-the-white-house-in-360-degrees

Host Your Own Inauguration Ball

There are several official and non-official balls on Inauguration Day. The President and First Lady usually attend at least two or three. This is a website I found for one of the inaugural balls. https://allamericanball.com/food-bev/menu-2-2/

Host your own ball with a yummy menu, fun entertainment, and dancing!