The second inauguration of Harry S. Truman as President of the United States was held on Thursday, January 20, 1949, at the East Portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This was the 41st inauguration and marked the commencement of the second and only full term of Harry S. Truman as President as well as the only term of Alben W. Barkley as Vice President. Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson administered the presidential oath of office while Justice Stanley Forman Reed administered vice-presidential oath of office.It was the first televised U.S. presidential inauguration and the first with an air parade. Truman also restarted the tradition of an official inaugural ball, which had disappeared since the inauguration of William Howard Taft in 1909.
The film opens on the streets in front of the Capitol building. Spectators are excited in the frigid weather. Truman, dressed in top hat, rides towards the Capitol building in the backseat of a convertible 1:00. Mr. Truman, Vice President Alben Barkley and other members of the cabinet approach the inaugural stand 1:36. The oath of office is administered by Fred M. Vinson 1:42. Truman kisses the Bible 2:22. President Truman makes his post inaugural speech 2:43. The camera pans to the huge crowds attending the inauguration 5:25. Truman continues his speech 5:48. The President leaves the Capitol 6:28. Planes fly over 6:51. West Point cadets march in celebration 7:03. President Truman and Vice President Alben Barkley enjoy the day at the reviewing stand 7:10. The official Missouri State Float passes in the parade 7:14. Soldiers march with rifles on shoulders 7:40. Harry Truman doffs his hat to the crowd 7:49. The End. Castle Films.
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