>> At the Library of Congress, we are proud to
solemnly swear to preserve and protect so many
of the documents that bind our nation together.
One of these is this, a 1789
copy of the Constitution.
It's signed by George Washington, the first
President to take that oath on April 30, 1789.
It's in Article 2 Section 1, and
it specifies the precise language.
As our Founders wrote, Before he
enter on the execution of his office,
he shall take the following oath or affirmation.
I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will
faithfully execute the Office of President
of the United States and will to
the best of my ability preserve,
protect and defend the Constitution
of the United States.
And now 232 years later, as President-Elect
Joe Biden prepares to take this oath
and become the nation's 46th President, we
invite you to explore our nation's history
at your national library,
the Library of Congress.