President Kennedy's Inaugural Address
On January 20, 1961, at the eastern portico of the Capitol, JFK took the Oath of Office and gave his famous inaugural address to the 20, 000 people in attendance. JFK's Inaugural Address is often cited as the best inaugural speech in US history. There was 6 inches of snow on the ground and freezing temperatures. JFK's Inaugural Address was the first one televised in color. The speech was 1364 words and lasted 13 minutes and 42 seconds. It is the 4th shortest address. JFK's main speech writer, Theodore Sorensen, studied President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in preparation for JFK's speech.