JFK Remembered: Inauguration

Mrs. Arnold J. Zimmer of Detroit, Michigan, received this personal invitation from the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, to attend the inauguration of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson on January 20, 1961 in Washington, D.C. The recipient was guaranteed a place in a special area where the new president and vice president were to take their oath of office.

This 29-page Inauguration Guidebook was created by the Hospitality Committee for visitors to Washington, D.C., attending the inauguration of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from January 18-20, 1961. The program lists inauguration-related events including the inaugural parade, the inaugural concert and ball and draws attention to buildings and areas of interest in the Washington area.

On January 20, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy -- America's youngest president and first Catholic president -- was sworn in as the 35th president of the United States. In his inaugural address, Kennedy told Americans, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This Life special edition included previously unseen photographs of the inauguration.

On January 20, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy -- America's youngest president and first Catholic president -- was sworn in as the 35th president of the United States. In his inaugural address, Kennedy told Americans, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Media coverage included this Time magazine feature story.

On January 20, 1961, John Fitzgerald Kennedy -- America's youngest president and first Catholic president -- was sworn in as the 35th president of the United States. In his inaugural address, Kennedy told Americans, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Media coverage included this Life magazine feature story.

During his presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy successfully used the television medium. The electoral votes from the state of Illinois were key to Kennedy's election, the majority of votes coming from Chicago. The choice of his portrait on the front of this local TV program guide insert for Chicago's American newspaper was likely to generate immediate interest.

The United States Mint produced this medal to commemorate John F. Kennedy's 1961 Presidential Inauguration. The phrase that appears under the seal on the back side of this medal--"We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival of liberty"--comes from Kennedy's Inaugural Address.

John F. Kennedy won the 1960 presidential election by a razor-thin margin, but after taking office he received the support of most Americans. Standing on the Capitol steps on the cold morning of January 20, 1961, with supporters proudly waving pennants like this, Kennedy was sworn in as President and delivered what has come to be considered a classic Inaugural Address.

John F. Kennedy won the 1960 presidential election by a razor-thin margin, but after taking office he received the support of most Americans. Standing on the Capitol steps on the cold morning of January 20, 1961, with supporters proudly waving pennants like this, Kennedy was sworn in as President and delivered what has come to be considered a classic Inaugural Address.

After John F. Kennedy was sworn in on the steps of the Capitol (whose dome looms in the background), he and his wife Jacqueline traveled up Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House in the official inaugural parade. The new president and first lady are in the lead car, the 1950 Lincoln that had served presidents Truman and Eisenhower.