Insights for Expats: The U.S. Inauguration
In December of 2024, Dwellworks proudly acquired CORT's Destination Services business, expanding our commitment to delivering industry-leading relocation solutions. Read the full press release here. To ensure a seamless transition, we are making the materials previously available on the CORT Destination Services website accessible as valuable resources for our clients and partners.
For more information on Dwellworks Destination Services, please click here.
Very soon, a new American president will be sworn in. President Donald J. Trump will be the 45th President of the United States. January 20 is the date fixed by the US Constitution for the inauguration. (Originally the date was March 4 when folks had to ride a horse, or walk.)
The ceremony occurs on the steps of the US Capitol Building, where the House and Senate are located. Although the ceremony won’t take place until 11.30am, guest will begin arriving from 5am.
It has always been a solemn, public ceremony. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court administers the oath. The exact words of the oath of office itself are prescribed in Article 2 of the Constitution. It was intended as a civil commitment, in line with the prohibition of any religious test to hold public office. But, George Washington added “so help me God” – and it stuck. (It was Washington, after all.)
Among the many anecdotes regarding the inauguration (like William Harrison catching fatal pneumonia when he didn’t wear a hat or coat), 1960 is memorable. The eminent poet, Robert Frost, was invited to read a poem at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. The sun was so blinding that the 84 year-old Frost instead recited a moving poem “The Gift Outright” from memory.
After the inauguration ceremony, attended by the outgoing president, living former presidents, members of Congress, the Supreme Court and many dignitaries, there is a parade down Constitution Avenue with bands playing and flags waving. That night, Washington will be a party city with several ritzy galas and three official Inaugural Balls attended by the President. Tickets for the various events are often sold out far in advance; donors who contribute large amounts get special access to exclusive events and the new First Family.
This tradition is now more than 200 years old and shows no sign of losing its appeal. In 1809 Dolly Madison hosted the very first Inaugural Ball, with 400 guests, after her husband, James Madison was inaugurated. The ball was held at Long's Hotel and tickets were sold for $4 a head. By contrast, in 1997, 14 balls were held to honor President William Jefferson Clinton.
About Dwellworks
Dwellworks is the world’s largest provider of destination-related services and temporary living solutions for the globally mobile workforce and business travelers. We provide business-to-business solutions for Fortune 1000 and emerging companies directly and through their relocation management partners. Whether a company needs to relocate its employees across the country or around the world, we provide a range of support services to help employees and their families transition successfully from their home location to a new destination.
Dwellworks supports the diversity of our clients’ globally mobile workforce with personalized destination solutions in 16 countries, covering hundreds of major relocation markets. Dwellworks Living, our global furnished temporary living solution, offers corporate housing accommodations for relocation and business travel customers in 125 countries. Our full-service real estate brokerage, Station Cities, supports home rentals, sales, and purchases in the Tri-State New York area and Chicago. Visit our homepage, learn about our services, and read our blogs to learn how we can help with your relocation and business travel needs.