Poems at United States presidential inaugurations
Starting with John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961, five United States presidential inauguration ceremonies have included a reading by a poet.[1] The following poetry readings took place at presidential inaugurations:
January 20, 1961 inaugural of John F. Kennedy
- Robert Frost read his poem "The Gift Outright"[2]
January 20, 1993 inaugural of Bill Clinton
- Maya Angelou read her poem "On the Pulse of Morning"[3]
January 20, 1997 inaugural of Bill Clinton
- Miller Williams read his poem "Of History and Hope"[4]
January 20, 2009 inaugural of Barack Obama
- Elizabeth Alexander read her poem "Praise Song for the Day"[5]
January 21, 2013 inaugural of Barack Obama
- Richard Blanco read his poem "One Today"[6]
References
- ↑ Michael E. Ruane (2008-12-17). "Selection Provides Civil Rights Symmetry". Washington Post. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
- ↑ Tuten, Nancy Lewis; Zubizarreta, John (2001). The Robert Frost Encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing Group, ISBN 9780313294648
- ↑ Kelloway, Kate. (1993-01-24). "Poet for the New America," The Observer.
- ↑ Rosenthal, Harry (20 January 1997). "Poet Addresses Inaugural Event". The Washington Post. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
- ↑ Katharine Q. Seelye (2008-12-21). "Poet Chosen for Inauguration Is Aiming for a Work That Transcends the Moment". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
- ↑ Bruce, Mary (January 21, 2013). "'One Today': Full Text of Richard Blanco Inaugural Poem". ABC News. Retrieved January 22, 2013.