Today is Inauguration Day – a day when the peaceful
transition of power – the swearing in of a new Commander in Chief takes place. Don’t
worry. This is not going to be a political blog. It is, however a reflection on
the history and tradition of the events of the day.
This day is steeped in tradition; beliefs and behaviors
passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance
with origins in the past. These traditions are what set the tone for this very
historic day; they are what keep things on track.
For example, the presidential Oath of Office, 35 words of
promise and commitment, has not changed in more than two centuries. Each incoming
president pledges the same oath – “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully
execute the office of the President of the United States, and will to the best
of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United
States.” Thirty-five words that carry with them the hopes and dreams of our
country. That’s powerful stuff no matter what side of the political arena you
prefer.
The speech, the luncheon, the procession, the parade, the
balls are all part of the tradition as well. There is a system, a procedure, a
protocol; an agenda of activities that are part of every presidential inaugural
ceremony; an order that’s familiar to us. Even though we can’t predict the
future, we know that the transition of power will stay the same and we get to witness
it.
The way we witness it has dramatically changed. When James
Polk took office in 1845, Samuel Morse used his invention – the electric
telegraph to tap out the message; the inauguration ceremony of 1857 was the
first to be photographed; 40 years later, movie cameras recorded highlights of
William McKinley’s ceremony; the radio was how Americans heard Calvin Coolidge
take the oath; and in 1949, Harry Truman’s swearing in was the first televised.
Bill Clinton’s inauguration was the first to have a website and be seen on the
Internet around the world; Barack Obama’s was covered by Webcast and now Donald
Trump can be seen all over social media. It’s what we witness that remains
constant and that’s what is most important.
George Washington said it best, “What is most important of
this grand experiment, the United States? Not the election of the first
president but the election of the second president. The peaceful transition of
power is what will separate this country from every other country in the world.”
Posted by MJ Thomas
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