Prefer your fun inaugural facts in text form? I’ve got you covered:
1. John F. Kennedy was the last president to attend his inauguration ceremony in a stovepipe hat.
2. More on hats: As a U.S. Representative, Abraham Lincoln attended the inauguration of President Zachary Taylor — where he lost his hat in the crowd and never recovered it.
3. John Quincy Adams was the first president to wear long trousers to his inauguration ceremony (breaking a tradition of colonial breeches).
4. President Adams also famously refused to attend the swearing-in of his successor — Andrew Jackson — after an epically brutal campaign.
5. During his Inaugural Parade, President Eisenhower was lassoed by a cowboy.
Stephen J. Kerrigan
Chief Executive Officer
2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee
P.S. — This year’s ceremony will leave its own mark on history during the National Day of Service. Thanks for saying you’ll be part of it — if you haven’t already, find an event near you and RSVP today.
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