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Seal of the President of the United States from Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration

“My fellow Americans” [timeline]

Every four years, the incoming president of the United States delivers an inaugural address in a tradition that dates back to 1789, with the first inauguration of George Washington. The address reiterates to Americans—and peoples around the world—what the country has been and what it has the potential to become. In a speech freighted with importance, the presidents express their fears, their hopes, and their most personal aspirations for the nation and for democracy.

As we enter a new presidential term, explore the timeline below to revisit some past inaugural addresses that capture snapshots of America at unique points in time:

 

Featured image by acaben via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.

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