Inauguration of John F. Kennedy facts for kids
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| Date | January 20, 1961 |
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| Location | Washington, D.C. U.S. Capitol |
| Participants | President of the United States, John F. Kennedy Earl Warren Lyndon B. Johnson |
The inauguration of John F. Kennedy was a special ceremony. It happened on Friday, January 20, 1961. This event took place at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C..
During the inauguration, John F. Kennedy became the 35th President of the United States. At the same time, Lyndon B. Johnson became the Vice President. This day marked the start of their time in office. Kennedy's time as president was cut short later. Lyndon B. Johnson then became president.
Kennedy took office after winning the 1960 presidential election. He won against Richard Nixon, who was the Vice President at the time. Kennedy was the first President who was Catholic. He was also the youngest person ever elected President.
His speech on that day, called an inaugural address, talked about the main ideas from his election campaign. It helped define his time as President. This was a time of good economic growth and new social changes. It was also a time of important challenges with other countries. This inauguration was also the first time a poet, Robert Frost, was part of the program.
Kennedy's Inaugural Address
Right after taking his oath of office, President Kennedy spoke to the crowd. His inaugural address was shown on television in color for the first time. Many people think it is one of the best presidential speeches in American history.
The speech was 1,364 words long. It took 13 minutes and 55 seconds to deliver. This makes it the fourth-shortest inaugural address ever given.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.
—John F. Kennedy, inauguration address, January 1961.
What Made This Inauguration Special?
John F. Kennedy's inauguration was special for many reasons. It marked several "firsts" for the United States.
- Kennedy was the first, and so far, the only Catholic President.
- At 43 years old, Kennedy was the youngest elected President. He took over from President Eisenhower, who was the oldest President at that time. The difference in their ages was very noticeable.
- Kennedy was also the first President to be born in the 20th century.
Images for kids
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President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy arrive at an inaugural ball. This was on the evening of Inauguration Day.
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This shows the East Front of the Capitol where the inauguration happened. President Kennedy is in the middle, giving his speech. Vice President Johnson and other guests are sitting behind him.
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See also
In Spanish: Investidura presidencial de John F. Kennedy en 1961 para niños
