At his swearing-in ceremony on 20 January, President-elect Barack Obama will place his hand on the same Bible used by another president from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, according to media reports this morning.
The Bible, purchased specifically for Lincoln's first inaugural since Lincoln's family Bible was still in transit to Washington from Springfield, is now in the collections of the Library of Congress. "The Bible is part of the Library of Congress' upcoming Lincoln exhibition marking the 200th anniversary of his birth. The exhibit will travel to five US cities in fall 2010: Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Omaha, and Sacramento."
Emmett Beliveau, executive director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said of the choice "The president-elect is committed to holding an inauguration that celebrates America's unity, and the use of this historic Bible will provide a powerful connection to our common past and common heritage."
A fine choice, I think.
