Chapter 5: "Hail to the Chief" Presidential Anthem: Inauguration Day!
Sergeant Foley
Well-known member
Chapter 5: INAUGURATION DAY: ROCKY'S SECOND INAUGURATION AS THE 39TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Thursday, January 20, 1977
US Capitol Rotunda, Washington, DC.
President Nelson Rockefeller and First Lady Happy Rockefeller during the 21 Cannon Salute on Inauguration Day inside the US Capitol Rotunda.
Due to the severe harsh winter weather, the originally-planned outdoor inauguration ceremony was moved out of the East Front of the US Capitol and moved indoors at the US Capitol Rotunda. Millions of Americans watching this historic inauguration ceremony on television at home and throughout the world (including those stationed in US military bases); all members of Congress were in attendance as well as some of the US State Governors such as California Governor Jerry Brown (D), US Virgin Islands Governor Cyril King (D/ICM), Puerto Rico Governor Carlos Romero Barcelo (PNP), Virginia Governor Mills Godwin (R), Arizona Governor Raul H. Castro (D), Illinois Governor James R. "Big Jim" Thompson (R), Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (D), Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards (D), etc., were in attendance. Also attending the festivities: Los Angeles Mayor Thomas Bradley (D), New York City Mayor Abraham Beame (D), New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu (D).Thursday, January 20, 1977
US Capitol Rotunda, Washington, DC.
President Nelson Rockefeller and First Lady Happy Rockefeller during the 21 Cannon Salute on Inauguration Day inside the US Capitol Rotunda.
Musical performances included the Human Jukebox from Southern University and A&M College of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who sung the National Anthem "Star-Spangled Banner"; Pearl Bailey performed "God Bless America"; United States Marine Band performed "America, the Beautiful". Additionally, the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was performed by selected voices from Virginia Union University, Howard University, University of Utah, University of Washington, and the Interdenominational Theological Center.
US House Speaker Tip O'Neill (D-MA) swore in Vice President Linwood Holton at 11:55 AM EST as the 42nd Vice President of the United States, as Holton's wife, Jinks was holding the Holton family Bible:
"I, Abner Linwood Holton, Jr., do solemnly swear
that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign and domestic;
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I will take this obligation freely,
without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
and that I will well and faithfully discharge
the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.
So help me God."
"Hail Columbia" is performed by the United States Marine Band as Holton smiles and kisses his wife, Jinks, then hugs his four children.
After a musical performance by the University of Utah, President Rockefeller walked up to the podium with his wife, Happy (who held the Rockefeller family Bible), raised his right hand to repeating the Presidential Oath of Office, which was administered by US Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Burger:
"I, Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller, do solemnly swear
that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States
and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
So help me God."
Once Chief Justice Burger said "Congratulations for the second time Mr. President. Good luck to you in the next four years" as Rockefeller shook his hand, then kissed his wife Happy as the crowd let out a big round of applause as the United States Marine Band performed "Hail to the Chief" while the 21 Cannon Salute was fired very loudly outside on the West Front Grounds of the US Capitol. The Cannons were still firing as the music stopped, which dragged on for awhile even while President Rockefeller smiled once he walked up to the podium to deliver his second inaugural address:
President Rockefeller: "Chief Justice Burger, Vice President Holton, Speaker O'Neill, Leader Byrd, Leaders Rhodes and Baker, members of the House and the Senate, members of the Cabinet, Members of the United States Supreme Court, and the Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests, reverend clergy and my fellow Americans: Once again, thank you very much, as we come together as one America: one nation under God, in celebrating our democracy and freedom. The American people sent elected leaders in all branches of government here to do the people's business, having been given a renewed mandate in continuing their humble service to America and its citizens, who entrusted us to leading this great nation of ours. Personally, it's a great, amazing and dignified to continue serving as your President. And I want everyone to be assured, that I plan on continuing being the President for all Americans.
On September 5, 1975, the Presidency fell upon my shoulders during traumatic circumstances, I spoke of the challenges facing us ranging from domestic, economic, and foreign policy. Last year during the 1976 State of the Union Address, I reported on the achievements of this administration in less than a short time because the groundwork that we laid for our nation's success to continue prospering for future generations of Americans, including the hardworking efforts of maintaining peace through strength, as well as tough, but fair diplomacy on the international stage. I should note that under this administration, we've worked aggressive in boosting our national defense, sending a message to our adversaries that the United States will not be pushed around or take threats of war lightly. We will respond with strong, aggressive force if necessary!
The Bicentennial celebrating our nation's 200 birthday is over, I want to acknowledge that we've come through a long way over the years. It is very important that we leave our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren with an America as a beacon of hope, democracy, and leading the world in the name of world peace. In regard to today's modified ceremonies, I want to apologize to thousands of Americans, who dearly wanted to attend the inauguration festivities today. Sadly, the severe weather over the past week didn't permit the outdoor ceremonies from taking place, but I want this second inaugural message to the American people being one of hope, reflection and opportunity, because it truly reflects my deepest convictions, there is nothing wrong with the United States, that courage, dedication and love cannot conquer.
Going forward in these four years, having been given such an overwhelming mandate last November, I am humbled by your support including earning your sacred trust of continuing to lead this country as we're closing out the 1970s and venturing into a new decade the 1980s. We've got lots of work left to do because with another four years next and who knows maybe, another four more years afterwards (crowd laughs loudly), I am confident that we can finish the work by then and hand off the duties of public service to the next generation of Americans who aren't even born yet.
Let's us all pledge together in all fifty states as well as the Territories, that we're all in this together as one large, big happy family. In these four years beyond America's 200th birthday, I strongly believe that we can bring a bright beacons of light and hope for everyone in the entire world. Because this is what we owe to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as the future generations of Americans to come after us.
Thank you very much for listening. God Bless all of you and most of all, God Bless the United States of America!"
(Rounds of applause from the crowd inside the US Capitol as Rocky and his wife, Happy kiss and hug).
Following the Inauguration, the traditional Inaugural luncheon for the Rockefeller's and Holton's took place inside Statutory Hall. Coverage of the inauguration was provided by CBS News, NBC News and ABC News. The ceremony was televised throughout the United States and parts of the world. Following the Inaugural luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Inaugural Committee, the Rockefeller's got back into the Presidential limousine and drove to the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland: where President and First Lady Rockefeller, Vice President and Second Lady Holton attended the alternative indoor event at the Capitol Centre, where the parade's expected participants including 9,000 students were given an amazing opportunity to perform for the President. Other participants of the indoor Inaugural Parade: Southern University and A&M College's Human Jukebox, Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm, University of Texas Longhorn Band, Louisiana State University Tiger Band, Grambling State University Marching Band, Virginia Union University, University of Illinois Illini Marching Band, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, US Military Academy Marching Band, US Air Force Academy Band, etc.,
Later in the evening, the Rockefeller's and Holton's attended five Inaugural Balls at the following venues: the Kennedy Center, Pension Building, American History Museum, Sheraton Hotel and Cramton Auditorium on the campus of Howard University.
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