President Obama’s Inauguration ceremony on January 21 will be historic for many reasons. As tradition would have it, he will use the Lincoln Bible but will also use a Bible once owned by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“We know our father would be deeply moved to see President Obama take the Oath of Office using his bible,” Dr. King’s children said in a statement. “His ‘traveling bible’ inspired him as he fought for freedom, justice and equality, and we hope it can be a source of strength for the President as he begins his second term. With the Inauguration less than two weeks away, we join Americans across the country in embracing this opportunity to celebrate how far we have come, honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through service, and rededicate ourselves to the work ahead.”
In addition, on the day before during a closed to the public swearing in, President Obama will use the Robinson Family Bible, which was a gift from Michelle Obama’s father to her mother on Mother’s Day 1958.
“President Obama is honored to use these Bibles at the swearing-in ceremonies,” said Steve Kerrigan President and CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee. “On the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, this historic moment is a reflection of the extraordinary progress we’ve made as a nation.”
It’s the latest update regarding the eagerly anticipated inauguration ceremony which will feature Myrlie Evers-Williams delivering the invocation and Beyoncé singing National Anthem.