The History of Presidential Inaugurations, the Weather and Me

As one who has studied history, it is not surprising that history has this unique way to repeat itself. I have commented on this several times over the twelve years I have been writing my commentaries.

 

Why is this an issue today? Well, once again, January 20 will be marked as a date in Presidential Inauguration History. But not just as the date in the Constitution which requires that a President is sworn into office.

In my life, this is now the third time, at least, where the weather was a factor in a Presidential Inauguration.

The first was on January 20, 1961, where the night before and through the early morning, twenty inches of snow fell on Washington, DC and up the East Coast. Since the snow impacted schools to close, I was able to stay home and watch the historic event, as JFK was sworn into office that day.

As he began his famous address, the sun burst through as if the heavens blest his Presidency with the same hope and vigor as he said his immortal words, “Ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” As a soon to be ten-year-old, it was uplifting and inspiring.

Then, on January 21, 1984, after a private ceremony on Sunday, the 20th at the White House, the weather again was a factor, so much so, that when the sun rose that morning, it was four degrees and forced the Inauguration to take place inside the Capital Rotunda. When Ronald Reagan began his address, the high that day was nine degrees. And, yes, I was home to watch it because it was MLK Day.

And once again, as he had done in 1981, when he said, “We will again be the exemplar of freedom and a beacon of hope for those who do not now have freedom”, the Great Communicator continued to offer hope as he said, “America must remain freedom's staunchest friend, for freedom is our best ally.” Still so true to this day.

Tomorrow, the weather will, once again, play havoc in Washington, DC, when temperatures are expected to be under twenty degrees at daybreak and twenty-five degrees at noon, with high wind chills making it feel like only thirteen degrees, forcing the Inauguration to take place in the Capital Rotunda, when Donald Trump begins his second Inaugural Address. And yes, I will be able to watch with my grandchildren, as they are off from school for MLK Day.

So, to sum up. The history of Inauguration Day is replete memories and how the weather seems to make an impact. For me, these three men are my favorite Presidents in my lifetime, and I was fortunate to be able to watch them be sworn in and offer us their promises of hope.

Let us hope that President Trump can begin anew as he, too, makes history as only the second President to serve non-consecutive terms in our history of American Presidents.