Inaugural Prayer: The First Inauguration

Printed version of the prayer Dwight D. Eisenhower read before his Inaugural Address.

Eisenhower's inauguration took place on January 20, 1953. The ceremonies attracted the largest crowd for an inaugural in American history. Republicans were jubilant. After 20 years of Democrats in the White House, one of their own party was finally assuming leadership of the country. Eisenhower was the first president to write and recite a prayer at his inauguration. His address was devoted exclusively to foreign policy, promising that his administration would not compromise or tire in its pursuit of an honorable world peace.