Second inauguration of Bill Clinton

Second Presidential Inauguration of
Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton takes the oath of office for his second term.
Date	January 20, 1997; 20 years ago (1997-01-20)
Location	United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Participants	President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton Assuming office Chief Justice of the United States, William Hubbs Rehnquist Administering oath Vice President of the United States Albert Arnold Gore, Jr. Assuming office Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Administering oath Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies Responsible for inaugural events (including inaugural parade and balls)

The second inauguration of Bill Clinton as President of the United States was held on January 20, 1997 on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.. The inauguration marked the commencement of the second four-year term of Bill Clinton as President and Al Gore as Vice President. This was the last presidential inauguration to take place in the 20th century, and the first to be streamed live on the internet.

Reverend Billy Graham gave an invocation to start the ceremony followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Ruth Bader Ginsburg gave the oath to office for Vice President Al Gore. Jessye Norman, the famed Georgian opera singer, then serenaded the crowd with a medley of patriotic songs. Following the performance, surrounded by members of Congress dignitaries, Justices of the Supreme Court, family, and friends, Bill Clinton stood next to his daughter while his wife held the Bible. The oath to office was administered by Chief Justice William Rehnquist at 12:05 pm. The oath was ended with the traditional words, “So help me God.” The National Anthem was sung and then Arkansas poet Miller Williams read “Of History and Hope,” a poem he wrote for the occasion. President Clinton's inaugural speech followed. The inauguration was celebrated that night by 14 different official galas held in honor of the President and First Lady.

January 20, 1997 was also Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The President's speech addressed Dr. King and his legacy as a champion of African-American rights and freedoms during the civil rights era. In addition, a meal was eaten after the oath was taken at the Capitol's Statutory Hall that was based on traditional recipes from President Thomas Jefferson's era.