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Todd S. Purdum on the 50th anniversary of JFK’s inauguration.

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The inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States

Friday, January 20, 1961

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Favorite First Lady Inauguration Looks

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JFK and Jackie on Inauguration Day - January 20, 1961

The inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States was held on Friday, January 20, 1961, at the East Portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This was the 44th inauguration and marked the commencement of the only term of both John F. Kennedy as President and Lyndon B. Johnson as Vice President. Kennedy was assassinated 2 years, 306 days into this term, and Johnson succeeded to the presidency.

Kennedy took office following the November 1960 presidential election, in which he narrowly defeated Richard Nixon, the incumbent Vice President. He was the first Catholic to become President, became the youngest person elected to the office and the first president born in the 20th century.

His inaugural address encompassed the major themes of his campaign and would define his presidency during a time of economic prosperity, emerging social changes, and diplomatic challenges. This inauguration was the first in which a poet, Robert Frost, participated in the program.

For this inauguration, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies was chaired by Senator John Sparkman, and included Senators Carl Hayden and Styles Bridges, and Representatives Sam Rayburn, John W. McCormack, and Charles A. Halleck.