An anecdotal history looks at the celebrations, fashions, ceremonies, and events that marked each presidential inauguration from Washington's election in 1789 to the 2001 gala.

An anecdotal history looks at the celebrations, fashions, ceremonies, and events that marked each presidential inauguration from Washington's election in 1789 to the 2001 gala.

Every four years, the world watches as the United States passes the title and power of the presidency from one person to another in a peaceful and orderly manner. With a formal ceremony, a large parade, and gala inaugural balls, its a big, colorful showone rich with history, tradition, and ritual. Through a compilation of vignettes, author Jim Bendat chronicles all of Inauguration Days historic events. Democracys Big Day tells stories about the outgoing and incoming presidents who did not get along, the chief justices who improperly administered the presidential oath, the vice president who showed up to the ceremony drunk, and the nine occasions in which the United States had an unplanned and unanticipated inaugurationoften for a nation in mourning. Democracys Big Day presents a comprehensive history of presidential inaugurationsfrom George Washington through Barack Obama. From the morning White House coffee gathering to the evenings parties, the author provides a captivating look at what is truly democracys biggest day.

The Complete Text of Every Presidential Inauguration Speech from George Washington to George W. Bush

A collection from over a hundred authors and illustrators to portray over two hundred years of history as seen through the White House windows.

One Today is a poem celebrating America. President Barack Obama invited Richard Blanco to write a poem to share at his second presidential inauguration. That poem is One Today, a lush and lyrical, patriotic commemoration of America from dawn to dusk and from coast to coast. Brought to life here by beloved, award-winning artist Dav Pilkey, One Today is a tribute to a nation where the extraordinary happens every single day.

Dramatic and defining moments in American history come vividly the life in the Cornerstones of Freedom series.