Original Life magazine
I was a child of 8 on January 20, 1961. We came home from our Detroit elementary school for lunch each day. I knew the Kennedy Inauguration was special. The couple had magnetism and charisma to spare and I was caught up in the magic of the moment. I wolfed down my tuna sandwich leaning against the arm of the couch in our small den, watching as much of the ceremony on our black and white TV as I could before my mother raced me back to school. She bought the Life Magazine at the news stand the next week. I still have it; a prized possession. I poured over it, year after year.
Here are Jack and Jackie, ready to go to the Inaugural Ball the night of the Inauguration. At 31 years old, we forget how young and elegant she was. I adored her. She was fashionable, well-educated, poised, loved the arts, most of all – her children.
JFK & Jackie arrive at the Inaugural Ball
Jackie looks radiant.
It was time for them to depart from their Georgetown residence for the Capitol on a bitterly cold day. She had decided to not wear mink. She claimed she didn’t want to look like a “bear” up on the podium with all the other women, wrapped up in their big coats, so only had fur trim at her neck and a fur muff. She did look different from the other women. The pillbox hat became iconic; her signature.
On their way to the Inauguration, 1/20/61
On the podium, Robert Frost tried to deliver a specially-written poem, but couldn’t read it, due to glare. His hosts were concerned. He delivered an old favorite without faltering. JFK gave a speech for the ages, still quoted today. Children quoted it to their parents after the assassination; the adults wept.
Text of inaugural address
The Inaugural Ball was orchestrated by Frank Sinatra, with a heavy dose of Rat Pack fun. JFK’s brother-in-law was Peter Lawford, married to Kennedy sister Pat, so he had serious cred. Jackie could not be out-shown. The cockade flourish at her waist pays tribute to her French ancestry and her love of history, with its echos of symbols worn on 18th century military hats. It was a dazzling start to the 60s.
Pre-inaugural gala gown
On January 20, 2009, I was on a physical therapy table, recovering from a knee injury when the clock struck noon. A TV was on at the far end of the room. I could see the ceremony had not yet begun, but technically, the Bush presidency was over. Tears welled up in my eyes and I felt a huge sense of relief and joy. It began to softly snow outside in Newton. It was bitterly cold in Washington, DC too.
My son David was somewhere on the Mall with the throngs of people, rejoicing. He had been in Ohio, staying with my brother in the days before the actual election, working the phones, getting people to the polls. We called to congratulate him when the state was called for Obama. He sat in a bar with the mayor of Cincinnati. We could hear the crowd cheer around him. Who could have predicted that 12 years later we would be in such dire shape; that someone so corrupt and self-absorbed would be in power; that he cared only about loyalty to himself, defying constitutional norms, making money, punishing his enemies and holding onto power at any cost. He didn’t care about governing or the betterment of the country, so sick and impoverished under his watch. We would literally be counting the minutes until the Cheeto-in-chief was gone.
I sped home and sat in front of the TV for the rest of the day. I loved that Barack Obama was sworn in on Lincoln’s Bible, the first Black president, whose wife is the descendant of slaves, used the Emancipator’s Bible. Perfect.
Obama’s 1st inauguration, 1/20/2009
They really looked happy. Looking back now, we can see how much he aged while in office. Aretha! Queen of Soul, my fellow Detroiter, sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” in THAT hat! Wow! How great was that? Michelle wore young American designers to both the Inauguration and the Balls that evening and she rocked it. That color really stood out. I loved that the couple got out and walked part of the parade route and enjoyed themselves.
THE hat! Aretha sings “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”
Like at a wedding, they danced their first dance together, as Queen Bee sang “At Last”. You could tell that this couple loved and respected each other (even if we now know that Michelle was NOT happy with Obama’s decision to run for the presidency and throw their lives in turmoil). The scene of them in each other’s arm was compelling. “No Drama” Obama started by thrilling us all.
“At Last”, Obamas dance while Beyoncé sings.
The Bidens bid farewell to Delaware from a National Guard Reserve Base named for his late son Beau. He wept as he said when he died, his heart would read, “Delaware”. As soon as they touched down in the nation’s Capitol, they went straight to the Lincoln Memorial, joined by Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, where they led a poignant service of remembrance for the lives of US citizens lost to COVID-19; the first step toward healing a grieving nation. A step his predecessor neglected, bypassed, shunned.
“Hear me out, take a measure of my heart. End this uncivil war”, challenged Biden to those who did NOT vote for him in his inaugural address on January 20, 2021 and the world breathed a sigh a relief. In a most unusual series of events and celebration, marred by the insurrection of two weeks earlier and the pandemic that had killed more Americans than those who lost their lives during World War II, we could begin to get back to normal. There were many highlights, but the unquestionable star was 22 year old Amanda Gorman, the youngest person ever to deliver an inaugural poem. Recent Harvard graduate, she held us spell-bound as she performed her poem. Inspired by Maya Angelou, she wore a caged-bird ring, is now Oprah’s protege and everyone’s favorite poet.
I, personally, used my best Lalique crystal to toast Biden as he took his oath of office, as I know he will take his duties seriously, and usher in an era of transparency, truth and fact-based governing to move this country forward, if the opposition party lets him.
1/20/2021
In lieu of the customary balls, a concert and celebration of essential workers and people who overcame challenges was a welcome celebration for all to enjoy. Of special note was 13 year old Brayden Harrington, who, like President Biden, suffers from a stutter. They met on the campaign trail last year. Biden gave the boy his cell phone number and worked with him on ways to overcome the speech impediment, as our president has done. The boy delivered the famous paragraph from JFK’s inaugural address, flawlessly.
Dr. Jill Biden’s ivory coat was embroidered with the state flowers from each one in the union and territories, Delaware’s situated close to her heart. Inside, a quote from Benjamin Franklin, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn”, a reminder of her career as a teacher. A fitting tribute to the theme of unity.
It ended with Katie Perry singing her hit “Firework” amidst a massive fireworks display over the Mall. A resplendent end to a glorious day.
AP photo
Betsy PfauRetired from software sales long ago, two grown children. Theater major in college. Singer still, arts lover, involved in art museums locally (Greater Boston area). Originally from Detroit area.
What a great collage, in words and pictures (of course!), of these three inaugurations, Betsy!
Knowing your love of Kennedys, and especially Jackie, I knew you would have watched that inauguration and would write about it. And you do so splendidly. And I am glad to find my recollection of Robert Frost’s struggles on that cold but bright day to be confirmed. That was all truly Camelot, wasn’t it?
And thank you for also sharing the Obama and Biden inaugurations and their highlights. For many different reasons, they both are/were causes for hope. And, in the case of Biden’s, enormous relief as well.
Incidentally, Amanda Gorman has just been asked to deliver a poem at the upcoming Super Bowl, which is great. For many obvious reasons, Robert Frost was never asked to do so.
I could only watch a bit of the Kennedy inauguration, John, since I had to get back to school, but it made an impression! I’ve gotten to see a lot more at the Kennedy Library in Dorchester, and have a veritable library about them, as you know. Frost was quite elderly in 1961, he passed away two years later. The full text of his poem is in that Life Magazine, but he recited “The Gift Outright” instead.
Yes, enormous relief for the Biden inauguration – both that he won, then that it went off so smoothly.
I know Amanda Gorman will recite at the Super Bowl. It’s been widely reported in the press (and I’ve been following all her coverage). I will be interested to see what she does and how the crowd (there will be fans allowed in the stadium) reacts. I am sure she will be superb. I can’t wait.
I knew you would write about JFK and Jackie, Betsy. But you also highlighted Obama’s and Biden’s inaugurations in perfect detail. I loved the pictures, especially the cover of your treasured Life magazine.
Thank you, Laurie. Yes, I’m predictable in my adoration!
Thanks for your detailed coverage of the Kennedys, it was nice to see all those photos. And we both remembered Aretha and her HAT from Obama’s inauguration. I’m surprised Amanda Gorman’s headwear hasn’t sparked a lot of discussion, but maybe it’s because there is so much to say about her poetry and her delivery.
I missed Biden’s morning appearances in Delaware and at the Lincoln Memorial because of the time difference, and the evening celebration because of my choir, so I appreciate your describing both. What a pleasure to read about someone with such a big heart, after the four years we have just been through! I love that you toasted with your best Lalique crystal, and may we have many more accomplishments to toast in the next four years!
Glad you enjoyed the Kennedy memories, Suzy. Aretha’s hat was MEMORABLE! Amanda wore a Prada headband and coat; very stylish already.
I’m happy that the Biden portion of my story brought you up-to-date on portions that you missed. I found it all very moving and appropriate. I wondered how they would handle everything given COVID restrictions, but I think they did quite well and brought everyone who chose to watch some real enjoyment.
Like you and Suzy, I came home for lunch and watched part of JFK’s inauguration. Thanks for filling out the wonderful details of Jackie’s wardrobe, really fun, and for all the recollections of Obama’s and Biden’s days.
Happy to provide the details, Marian.
Love this story, Betsy…particularly since I don’t remember nearly as much as you do. While I certainly adored JFK and Jackie, I didn’t really follow politics that closely until the Obama years. And although I refused to watch his inauguration, Trump actually made me more politically aware than ever. I’m so glad he wasn’t there to spoil this one!
You know, Barb, I think I was too busy living my life (working, taking care of young children) to pay too much attention until the Clintons came along. I knew I didn’t like much during any Republican era (we literally opened a bottle of wedding champagne the day Nixon resigned. I have NEVER voted for Republican (even locally) EVER. I do remember being in my car, driving to a client meeting hearing the Iran hostages had been released as Reagan was inaugurated. That was stunning. I remember following Iran/Contra scandal over the radio.
The Clintons, and some of their associates came to the Vineyard during the time we were there, so that was exciting (we were biking behind their motorcade as they went to church one Sunday morning, a guy sitting crosslegged in the back of open Jeep with an automatic weapon was looking right at us. That was sort of scary). But, as you say, the Obamas were the first who really caught our imagination the same way the Kennedys did. I, also, did not have any interest in watching Cheeto’s inauguration or balls, and though it broke with tradition, I, too am glad that he took off early, did not get his 21 gun salute or military parade. Tin-pot dictator. SO glad he is off his social media platforms. The quiet is so pleasant.
Thanx Betsy for the inaugural history and then your recap of that glorious Biden-Harris Inauguration day! And thanx for your perfect photos.
I had feared the decision – after Jan 6 – to continue with an outdoor event, but I realize now it was the right decision with thankfully no violence, all so well planned and beautifully done.
And then to have the words of a young Black girl steal the show – poetic justice!
Dan and I shared your security worries, Dana. It was a shame that the Capitol looked like a war zone, but necessary and it was worth it! I think it was a beautiful, memorable ceremony; one for the history books. And I agree – poetic justice that a radiant Amanda Gorman stole the show.
Betsy, looking again at the photos in your story and remembering your special feelings about the Kennedys, I’m sure you saw the wonderful Jackie exhibit decades ago at the Met Museum about the Camelot days in DC!
I did not see the exhibit at the Met, Dana. I saw it at the Kennedy Library in Boston and bought the catalogue. The photos that weren’t from the magazine were from that catalogue. There was a beautiful story in yesterday’s WaPo (I can send it to you) about Jackie’s only return to the White House, 50 years ago yesterday: to see the official portraits of her and her husband. It was in 1971, the Nixons were in residence and they showed tremendous grace, tact and generosity to her and her children. The thank you letter she wrote to Pat the next day brought me to tears.
Oh Betsy, may graciousness return to the White House!
Just forwarded the article to you (I sent it to myself for safekeeping last night).
Very nicely written. It amazes me that you can access those details from 1961! Being 13 at the time, one might imagine I would recall it better, but I’m drawing a blank.
Obama’s election was one of the most joyous moments of my life! I believe I was at work during the inauguration, though.
When you wrote about the Cheeto-in-Chief (nice tag!) I reflected that, even more than the fact that he was elected, the fact that there still is a pack of supporters out there is the horror.
But, I don’t wish to dwell on a negative. I very much enjoyed reading this piece.
Thanks, Bob. Yes, I have a long memory for details. I remember as a 4-year-old, my brother and I staged a mock election in my bedroom where Adlai Stevenson won! I honestly can’t vouch for my father (the Sarasons were Republicans back in MO and AK, where they grew up), and he never told us how he voted in 1960, but as the years went on, he became much more liberal. My mother was a proud FDR Democrat (until dementia robbed her of her ability to reason), so that is what we knew, thankfully. Of course, you had Marj leading the way, setting such a great, progressive example.
I, too, absolutely went wild for Obama and am thrilled when Dan comes home from golf on the Vineyard and tells me he saw Obama tee off. And I agree, 74 million voted for that horrible man and after McCarthy and the other cowards and fools refused to distance themselves from that scary lunatic from Georgia last night, I think we are all in a heap of trouble.
Keep up your positive attitude and thanks for commenting.
Cool. Such well chosen details: Aretha’s hat, the Lalique crystal, the kid learning to speak JFK’s paragraph. A very readable and meaningful narrative.
Thank you, Dale.