Robert Frost & JFK Inauguration - It Happened ToDay

Robert Frost & JFK Inauguration

January 20, 1961 - Robert Frost Recites at JFK Inauguration

John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States of America on this day in 1961. The inauguration of Kennedy featured the celebrated American poet Robert Frost reciting his poem - "The Gift Outright." Originally, Frost had intended to recite a new poem, "Dedication"; however, a typewriter glitch rendered the copy nearly impossible to read.

On January 20^th 1961, Kennedy gave his memorable inaugural address that included the words, "Ask not what your country can do for you.?" He was the youngest person ever to be elected president of the United States. He was also the first American president to be born in the 20th century.

Also sworn in as president on this day:

Franklin Delano Roosevelt becomes the first United States president to be sworn into office on January 20, as required by the new 20th Amendment to the Constitution. The following presidents would also be sworn in on January 20th - Truman, Eisenhower, Johnson (his own term), Nixon, Carter, Reagan, GHW Bush, Clinton, GW Bush. Eisenhower would be sworn in for his second term during a private ceremony on January 20, 1957 and then publicly the following day because the 20th fell on a Sunday. Johnson would first be sworn in as president on November 22, 1963 to assume the presidency after Kennedy's assassination. Ford would be sworn in August 9, 1974 following Nixon's resignation.

Quote for ToDay:

"To invent,you need a good imagination and a pile of junk"-Thomas Edison (1847-1931)

Mona Does D.C. - It Happened ToDay

Mona Does D.C.

January 8, 1962 - Washington D.C. Hosts Mona Lisa

Even though Leonardo DaVinci's "Mona Lisa" is over five hundred years old, it was not until this day in 1962 that it was first displayed in the United States.

The painting was unveiled at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. President John F. Kennedy was among the first to view the beloved work of art on American soil. Jackie Kennedy was the orchestrator of this historic event and secured the loan of the "Mona Lisa" from the Louvre Museum in Paris France.

The mysterious painting, which has long been the fodder for all manner of artistic criticism, drew over a half million visitors during its three week stay in the nation's capitol.

The "Mona Lisa" and her enigmatic smile have been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories over the years. The painting had a supporting role in the recent best-selling novel and block-buster movie "The DaVinci Code".