Beyond the campaigning and ‘Saturday Night Live’ parodies, the upcoming election provides an important lesson in democracy and freedom that our country was built upon. The excitement will culminate on Inauguration Day 2017, when the entire country will join in welcoming the newest President of the United States.
George Washington laid the foundation for all presidents to come during the first U.S. inauguration on April 30, 1789. Unanimously elected by the Electoral College, Washington gave the first inaugural address from the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. Only members of Congress were present. The 35-word oath of office, which was established in the constitution, was given Washington’s personal touch when he added, “so help me God.” These four words have been preserved in every oath of office since.
Friday January 20, 2017 will be a historic day steeped in over 200 years of tradition. A morning worship service starts the day before the departing president accompanies the president-elect to Capitol Hill. Standing in front of the west portico of the U.S. Capitol, the Vice President is sworn in first, then the President. The President delivers the inaugural address, then ceremoniously escorts the former president to a helicopter, so he and the former first lady can depart Washington, D.C. for their new home. The procession down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House includes ceremonial military regiments, important dignitaries, and various public service organizations. The entire evening is capped off with the Presidential Inaugural Ball, a festivity for dignitaries and celebrities alike. Each inauguration stands as an homage to the evolution and history of the United States.
You can teach your students history and, more importantly, introduce them to democracy in action at the inauguration in 2017. Show them Washington, D.C. like they’ve never seen it before, and join in the 58th quadrennial presidential inauguration of the United States. Space is limited, so start planning now to reserve your spot. After all, you never know when an election will change the course of history.
Attend the inauguration of the next president of the United States by visiting explorica.com/DCI or call 1.888.310.7120.