The inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States was held on Friday, January 20, 1961 at the eastern portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.. The inauguration marked the commencement of John F. Kennedy's only term as President and of Lyndon B. Johnson's only term as Vice President. Kennedy was assassinated 2 years, 306 days into this term, and Johnson succeeded to the presidency.
Presidential Inauguration of
John F. KennedyDateJanuary 20, 1961; 57 years agoLocationWashington, D.C.
U.S. CapitolParticipantsPresident of the United States, John F. Kennedy
Assuming officeChief Justice of the United States,
Earl WarrenAdministering oathVice President of the United States
Lyndon B. JohnsonAssuming officeSpeaker of the United States House of Representatives, Sam RayburnAdministering oathUnited States Congress Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
Kennedy took office following the November 1960 presidential election, in which he narrowly defeated Richard Nixon, the then–incumbent Vice President. He was the first Catholic to become President, and became the youngest person elected to the office.
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.[1] This inauguration was the first in which a poet, Robert Frost, participated in the program.
Presidential inaugurations are organized by the Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. For John F. Kennedy's inauguration, this committee was chaired by Senator John Sparkman, and included Senators Carl Hayden and Styles Bridges, and Representatives Sam Rayburn, John William McCormack, and Charles A. Halleck