Presidential Fun Fact of the Day

Some tidbits from Dwight Eisenhower's inauguration:

1. Eisenhower and Truman had been friendly before the election, but sore feelings lingered after it was over. These were not helped when Ike declined a lunch invitation from Truman before the inauguration, and the tension continued through inaugural day. Accounts vary regarding a couple of arguments the two men had on the ride to the Capitol, but it was apparently an unpleasant ride.

2. Ike used two Bibles when he took the Oath of Office. One was the same Bible George Washington used, and the other was the Bible Ike's mother gave him when he graduated West Point.

3. The first Eisenhower inauguration ceremony was the first to include a rabbi.

4. Ike also offered a prayer of his own before giving his inaugural address.

5. Ike had helped plan the inaugural festivities, and made sure the parade was shortened.

6. Jacqueline Bouvier was a member of the press corps at Eisenhower's first inaugural parade. She was 24 years old and working for the Washington Times-Herald.

Posted by Jennifer at May 13, 2004 03:45 PM

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