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Underlying meaning, message behind uniquely American day
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Jim Angle reports from Washington
- Duration 3:15
- Date Jan 21, 2013
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Transcript
This transcript is automatically generated
Look a lot of the inaugural parade in Culver academies going bother reviewing stand from Indiana and inside the box the first family.
The president and the vice president there standing.
Handover -- are there waving at the crowd as well -- been there all day and of course.
Waving at the folks is they go by.
Of course the inauguration is about more than just one person or one party tonight chief national correspondent.
Jim Angle examines the underlying meaning and message.
Behind this uniquely American day.
Inauguration is not a celebration of a particular president it's an affirmation that our democratic system and its practices endure.
A regular reminder that the home transfer of power rooted in the constitution.
Is an unshakable American tradition.
We do this in a peaceful.
Orderly way.
There is no mob.
No -- No insurrection.
But in the US elections and inaugurations are the regular heartbeat of the nation.
Several presidents have emphasized the historical significance of the ceremony in 1961.
John F.
Kennedy began his.
His inaugural address with these words.
We America today.
Not a victory a body.
Based celebration of freedom.
Symbolizing at hand.
As well as -- be getting.
Standing up behind me -- role.
As well -- changed.
The first President Bush struck the same thing in calling it democracy's.
Big day we made on democracy's front porch.
A good place to talk his neighbors and his friends.
For this is a day when our nation is made whole.
When our differences for a moment or suspended so Democrats and Republicans sit side by side as a new president takes an oath to uphold and defend the constitution.
Usually by swearing on a Bible many presidents have taken the oath on the very viable first used by George Washington.
Others prefer family bibles on Sunday mr.
Obama place his hand on the Bible from the first ladies -- -- While today he swore on both Lincoln's Bible and that of Martin Luther King whose birthday is celebrated today.
Many believe it was George Washington who first editor phrase at the end that's not in the official -- -- Saying so help me god which most other president did showed the remaining as President Obama did today.
The -- I have sworn before you today like the one recited by others serve in this cabinet.
Was oath to god and country.
Not party or faction.
There have been few changes over more than 200 years in the steady rhythm of elections and operations.
-- one major change given 1981.
When President Reagan -- the swearing in to the west side of the capitol with this grand -- down the National Mall.
For the more crap surroundings on the east side of the capital.
Some say Reagan also wanted presidents to look out on the monuments to Washington Jefferson and Lincoln.
A message of humility perhaps but also inspiration to those serving in the nation's highest office.
In Washington Jim Angle.
Fox News.
