-Cp
09-12-2008, 03:19 PM
During his inauguration, George Washington took the oath as prescribed by the Constitution. However, Washington added several religious components to that official ceremony.
Before the swearing in ceremony, he summoned a Bible on which to take the oath. Presidents have been placing their hand on a Bible to take the oath of office ever since. Washington also added the words “So help me God!” to the end of the oath. That was not scripted; it reflected Washington’s faith. And in a show of respect for God’s Word, after Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States, he leaned over and kissed the Bible.
Before the swearing in ceremony, he summoned a Bible on which to take the oath. Presidents have been placing their hand on a Bible to take the oath of office ever since. Washington also added the words “So help me God!” to the end of the oath. That was not scripted; it reflected Washington’s faith. And in a show of respect for God’s Word, after Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States, he leaned over and kissed the Bible.