First inauguration of Ronald Reagan
The first inauguration of Ronald Reagan as the 40th president of the United States was held on Tuesday, January 20, 1981, at the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This was the first inauguration to be held on the building's west side. This was the 49th inauguration and marked the commencement of Ronald Reagan's and George H. W. Bush's first term as president and vice president, respectively. Chief Justice Warren E. Burger administered the presidential oath of office to Reagan, who placed his hand upon a family Bible given to him by his mother, open to 2 Chronicles 7:14.[1] Associate Justice Potter Stewart administered the vice presidential oath to Bush.[2]
Date
January 20, 1981
Ronald Reagan
40th president of the United States
— Assuming office
Warren E. Burger
Chief Justice of the United States
— Administering oath
George H. W. Bush
43rd vice president of the United States
— Assuming office
Potter Stewart
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
— Administering oath
At 69 years, 349 days of age on Inauguration Day, Reagan was the oldest person to assume the presidency until the record was surpassed by Donald Trump in 2017. While the inauguration was taking place, the 52 Americans being held hostage in Iran were released.[3]
The 1981 Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the group responsible for the planning and execution of the inauguration, was composed of:[1]
It was this committee that made the decision to move the inauguration to the West Front of the Capitol from the East Portico, where it had been held, with few exceptions, since 1837. Decided upon in June 1980, the move was made in part to save money, since the West Front terraces could be used as an inaugural platform, eliminating the need to build one from scratch. Additionally, using the side of the building facing the National Mall would provide more space for spectators.[4]
Ronald Reagan wore a stroller for daytime, and white tie for the inaugural ball.
Inaugural Gala[edit]
On the Eve of the inauguration, ABC hosted an All-Star Inaugural Gala on Jan. 19, 1981. The ceremony was hosted by Johnny Carson and included performances from Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, Ben Vereen, Ethel Merman, Charlton Heston, Rich Little, and Frank Sinatra.[9]