America’s Irish Roots
Featuring Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States
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About this Gallery
Three key features characterize nearly every presidential inauguration: the oath of office taken by the president at the Capitol, the inaugural parade, and the inaugural ball. Yet Article II, section 1, of the United States Constitution requires only the first mere 35-word pledge. Although no further instructions were left for subsequent events, celebration has always been an inseparable element. Initially, local committees of District of Columbia citizens organized the celebrations surrounding the inauguration. As the events grew larger, more official, and more elaborate, so did the committees organizing them.