Presidential Inauguration of Ronald Reagan

On January 20, 1981 Ronald Reagan became the first President to be inaugurated facing the National Mall. Before this time Inaugurations were held on the East Portico of the US Capitol, facing the Supreme Court. When the inauguration ceremony moved to the terrace on the West Front of the Capitol facing the Mall, it meant that more citizens could easily attend and view the event.

Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. View original.

1/20/1981

[applause]
Chief Justice Warren E. Burger: Governor, are you prepared to take the Constitutional Oath?
Ronald Reagan: I am.
Burger: Will you place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right and repeat after me: I, Ronald Reagan, do solemnly swear.
Reagan: I, Ronald Reagan, do solemnly swear.
Burger: That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.
Reagan: That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States. 
Burger: And will, to the best of my ability. 
Reagan: And will, to the best of my ability. 
Burger: Preserve, protect and defend. 
Reagan: Preserve, protect and defend. 
Burger: The Constitution of the United States.
Reagan: The Constitution of the United States.
Burger: So help you God.
Reagan: So help me God.
Burger: May I congratulate you, Sir.

48 seconds

MP4