Inauguration Day

noun

1. the day on which the president of the United States is inaugurated, being January 20 of every year following a year whose number is divisible by four. Prior to the Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution (ratified February 6, 1933), it was March 4.

Inauguration Day

noun

1. the day on which the inauguration of a president of the US takes place, Jan 20

Example Sentences

Some floated gatherings on Inauguration Day or a few days before in state capitals, although others warned that protests on those days could be a trap.

From ProPublica

Then, only two weeks later, on Inauguration Day, it was the setting where our representatives stood and admired the stability and fortitude of the American system.

From Washington Post

Police responded to numerous reports of suspicious packages or vehicles and three bomb threats, eight of those incidents on Inauguration Day.

From Washington Post

Bluder already questioned the Big Ten’s decision to have them flying in on Inauguration Day, but the presence of thousands of National Guards troops made her feel unsafe for the team.

From Washington Post

A Florida man wanted in the Capitol siege was arrested in Northern Virginia on Inauguration Day while headed back to the District, according to the FBI’s Washington Field Office and a law enforcement document.

From Washington Post

Sarge was one of those to whom the torch was passed on Inauguration Day 50 years ago this week.

From The Daily Beast

More About Inauguration Day

What is Inauguration Day?

Inauguration Day is the day that the U.S. president is inaugurated—officially inducted into office. Inauguration Day marks the official beginning of the president’s term.

Since 1937, Inauguration Day has always been held on January 20 (or January 21, if January 20 falls on a Sunday). The inauguration ceremony has traditionally been held at the U.S. Capitol building.

Inauguration Day marks the day that the outgoing president transfers power to a new president or when the recently reelected president begins their second term.

Inauguration Day involves the president-elect being officially sworn in as president by taking the oath of office required by Article II, Section I of the 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.”

(The very similar oath taken by the vice president-elect was drafted by Congress—it’s not spelled out in the Constitution).

Example: During her inaugural address on Inauguration Day, the president-elect will lay out her plans for her first 100 days in office. 

Where does Inauguration Day come from?

The first Inauguration Day occurred on April 30, 1789, when George Washington became the first president of the United States. The date of Inauguration Day was later set as March 4. In 1933, the 20th Amendment changed the date to January 20. This was done in order to shorten the time that an outgoing president (one not serving another term) would continue to hold office as a “lame duck.”

Since 1901, the planning and organization of the events of Inauguration Day have been the responsibility of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), which is composed of sitting members of Congress. Along with the swearing in of the president and vice president and the president’s inaugural address, Inauguration Day traditionally involves several other ceremonial events, such as a luncheon and the first official actions by the president, among other things.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with Inauguration Day? 

• inauguration
• inaugurate
• inaugural

What are some words that often get used in discussing Inauguration Day?

• president
• ceremony
• swear in
• oath of office
• government
• Capitol

How is Inauguration Day used in real life?

Inauguration Day is associated with the pageantry and ceremoniousness involved with the swearing in of a new president.

FYI – 12 days until 12 Noon on January 20th Inauguration Day when @JoeBiden is sworn in as President and @realDonaldTrump becomes former President.

— Wolf Blitzer (@wolfblitzer) January 8, 2021

President-elect Joe Biden’s Inauguration Day theme will be “America United,” his inaugural committee announced.

He will also pay a visit to Arlington National Cemetery with former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. https://t.co/3VnxaHTX8Y

— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 11, 2021

Happy Inauguration day! What a great day in American history. A day of change and opportunity. Enjoy the moments.

— Jeff Keni Pulver (@jeffpulver) January 20, 2009

 

Try using Inauguration Day!

True or False? 

A newly elected president’s term begins when the results of the election are certified, and Inauguration Day is only held for ceremonial purposes.