George Washington referred to "that Almighty Being" during his inaugural address in 1789. "God" didn't show up in an inaugural speech until more than three decades later. AP hide caption
Inauguration 2013
Explore NPR's coverage of Barack Obama's second presidential inauguration.President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama attend an inaugural ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Monday night. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
President Obama delivers his second inaugural address Monday in Washington. Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
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President Obama, as he paused to look back at the crowd before going into the Capitol. C-SPAN.org hide caption
President Obama gives his inaugural address after taking the oath of office Monday. Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
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People gather near the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration ceremony on Monday. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption
People wave American flags as they gather on the National Mall for the inauguration ceremony Monday. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption
As a second-term president, Barack Obama necessarily generates less excitement than he did as a newcomer. Above, flags flew during his 2009 inauguration. Eric Purcell/FlickrVision via Getty Images hide caption
President Obama taking the oath of office today on the steps of the Capitol. First Lady Michelle Obama held the two Bibles on which he placed his hand. Alex Wong/Getty Images hide caption
Barack Obama arrives at his 2009 inauguration to become the 44th president of the United States. Getty Images hide caption
Menu for Lincoln's 2nd inaugural ball, March 6, 1865 Smithsonian Institution hide caption
Workers seen through a fence adjust American flags on the Capitol during preparations Thursday for the inauguration. Jewel Samad /AFP/Getty Images hide caption
President Obama walks outside the Oval Office on May 3. Carolyn Kaster/AP hide caption
President Obama seems to have picked up a few gray hairs in the four years since he was sworn in on Jan. 20, 2009 (left). On the right, he's shown in December 2012. Getty Images/AFP/NPR hide caption
Barack Obama takes the oath of office beside his wife Michelle and daughters Sasha, right, and Malia, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20, 2009. Chuck Kennedy/AP hide caption
The Presidential Oath: Not Always Perfect, But It Gets The Job Done
First lady Michelle Obama waves after addressing the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., on Sept. 4. Jae C. Hong/AP hide caption
Guests arrive for the Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball in Washington back in 2005 to celebrate President Bush's second term. J. David Ake/AP hide caption
The first printed copy of the draft Constitution, Aug. 6, 1787, annotated by George Washington and others. (Click for full page.) Courtesy of National Archives hide caption
Chelsea Clinton makes cards with 8-year-old Addison Rose on the National Mall on Saturday as part of the National Day of Service events. Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is the honorary chair of the National Day of Service. Steve Helber/AP hide caption
For editorial cartoonists, Obama's ears are his signature. In some depictions, they've grown throughout the years, but Matt Wuerker says cartoonists have gotten lazy. "We did the same thing to George W. Bush. By the end of his administration he was just Dumbo." Courtesy of Matt Wuerker/Politico hide caption
President Obama gives his first inaugural address on Jan. 20, 2009. Ron Edmonds/AP hide caption