According to reports, Barack Obama will have two swearing-in ceremonies for his second term as President of the United States.
The Presidential Inaugural Committee says Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. will administer the oath of office at the White House on Sunday, Jan. 20, as required under the U.S. Constitution.
Historically, Inaugural Ceremonies are not held on a Sunday because courts and other public institutions are not open.
Since Jan. 20 is on a Sunday, Roberts will also do the swearing-in at the public inaugural ceremony on Monday, Jan. 21 on the West Front of U.S. Capitol.
According to Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), this is only the seventh time in U.S. history that the constitutionally mandated Inauguration date has fallen on a Sunday. When this occurs, the public ceremonies traditionally are held on Monday.
The last time a swearing-in was on both Sunday and Monday was for President Ronald Reagan's second Inauguration in 1985.
In addition, January 21, 2013 is Martin Luther King, Jr Day. It will be the second time that this federal holiday has coincided with a Presidential Inauguration. The first was President Bill Clinton's second Inauguration in 1997.
It is a tradition for the person being sworn in to choose the person to administer the oath. Obama followed tradition by choosing Chief Justice Robert to swear him in.
Obama said:
"I will be honored to again stand on the Inaugural platform and take part in this important American tradition. I look forward to having Chief Justice John Roberts administer my oath of office as we gather to celebrate not just a president or vice president, but the strength and determination of the American people."
Vice-President Joe Biden will be sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Biden personally chose Sotomayor, who will be the first Hispanic judge to administer the oath.
Vice-President Biden said:
"It's an incredible honor to have Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor swear me in. I believed strongly that she would make a great Justice, and it was one of the greatest pleasures of my career to be involved in her selection to the Court. From the first time I met her, I was impressed by Justice Sotomayor's commitment to justice and opportunity for all Americans, and she continues to exemplify those values today.
Above all, I'm happy for the chance to be sworn in by a friend – and someone I know will continue to do great things."
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