First inauguration of Dwight D. Eisenhower

Eisenhower placed his hand on two Bibles when he recited the oath: the Bible used by George Washington in 1789, opened to II Chronicles 7:14; and his own personal "West Point Bible," opened to Psalm 33:12. Afterward, he recited his own prayer at the start of his inaugural address, rather than kissing the Bible.

Inaugural address

The inaugural address was a recap of many different themes, including the reflection that the halfway point in the century was now passed and it had resulted in unprecedented changes in world governments.

He said: A people that values its privileges above its principles, soon loses both

George H. W. Bush would also compose his own prayer to recite during his inaugural speech in 1989. After the oath, rodeo trick rider Montie Montana, lassoed Eisenhower, in a display attributed to America's peak fascination with Western films.

Weather conditions for 12 noon at Washington National Airport, located 3.1 miles from the ceremony, were: 49 °F (9 °C), wind 5 mph, and no precipitation.