John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson Inauguration Package.

KENNEDY, John Fitzgerald and Lyndon Baines Johnson.

Item Number: 5081

Collection of Inaugural material from 1961. Original Inaugural Committee envelope sent via registered mail to Mary Durkin, who worked in the West Wing of the White House, a saddle bound Inauguration Ceremonies Program, Photographs of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, an inaugural platform ticket, two inauguration tickets, an invitation to the Ladies Reception at the National Gallery and various other ephemera. A nice collection.

The inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States was held on Friday, January 20, 1961 at the eastern portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.. The inauguration marked the commencement of John F. Kennedy's only term as President and of Lyndon B. Johnson's only term as Vice President. Kennedy took office following the November 1960 presidential election, in which he narrowly defeated Richard Nixon, the then–incumbent Vice President. He was the first Roman Catholic to become President, and became the youngest person elected to the office. His inaugural address encompassed the major themes of his campaign and would define his presidency during a time of economic prosperity, emerging social changes, and diplomatic challenges. This inauguration was the first in which a poet, Robert Frost, participated in the program. In this speech, Kennedy made his now famous remark, "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."