Questions from Mrs. Neut's third grade students at Frank Jewett Elementary School

Photo shows President John F. Kennedy being sworn in on Jan. 20, 1961.

1. Why does the President have to use a bible to take the oath?
The President doesn't have to use a bible. In fact, the President doesn't have to use the words, "so help me God." But all presidents since Theodore Roosevelt have used a bible in their swearing in.

2. Which hand goes on the bible? The left hand does

3. Why is the other hand raised in the air? It signifies "affirmation", as in raising your hand to agree with something.

4. What kind of bible do they use? Whose bible is it, and does the new President get to keep it? President Barack Obama is using the bible that President Abraham Lincoln used. It will be returned to the Library of Congress after the ceremony and be part of an exhibit there this February.

5. Will the President be on a stage?
Yes, he will be on a platform erected for the event.

6. Who swears in the president? Chief Justice of the United States, The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr. will do the swearing in.

7. Where does the Inauguration take place? Outside the United States Capitol building.

8. What does the oath say? 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. ( they also traditionally add "so help me God.")

9. Why is it always on January 20th? Until 1937, Inauguration Day was March 4. Since then, Inauguration Day has occurred on January 20 (the 1933 ratification of the Twentieth Amendment changed the start date of the term).

Research by Jessica Meservey
Eagle Times staff reporter

Questions from George E. Jack Elementary School

We've received many questions from MSAD6 students, and Eagle Times reporters are in the process of researching the answers so that we can post them before our trip. The first set of questions came from third gradersat George E. Jack elementary school in Standish. The second set of questions came from Ms. Bunk's fourth graders at George E. Jack elementary school in Standish. Ms. Bunk's class also gave us a generous donation of $20!

Questions from George E. Jack third grade students:

1. Are you excited?
We are all very excited, especially because we're going to be part of one of the most historical moments in America's history.

2. Will Obama's wife and kids be there? Yes, Barack Obama's wife, Michelle, and his two daughters, Malia and Sasha, will attend his inauguration.

3. Are you going into the White House?
We're not going inside the White House, but we are going to have our picture taken in front of the White House.

4. Are you going to any museums?
There are 19 Smithsonian museums and we plan on going to most of them.

5. Will you go to the Lincoln Memorial?
Yes we are going to the Lincoln Memorial and may see some of the Inauguration kick-off on the 18th.

Questions from George E. Jack fourth graders:

1. Are you taking the bus, the train, or a plane?
We're flying to Washington on Sunday, Jan. 18. Then, we'll be bused to our first stop: the Arlington National Cemetery where John F. Kennedy is buried along with many soldiers who died preserving our freedoms. That night, we'll tour the sites of Washington D.C, and (maybe) get close to the pre-inaugural events going on all day at the Lincoln Memorial.

2. Are you going to see Obama's kids?
Chances are we won't get close enough to see Obama's two daugthers, Malia and Sasha. We'll be on the Washington Mall in the public viewing area along with students from all 50 states who are part of the Smithsonian Student Travel group. Ten gigantic viewing screens are being erected along the Mall so that everyone will be able to watch the swearing-in ceremony and the president's Inaugural address.

3. Will you guys throw parties once the Inauguration starts?
Our trip includes a party on the night before the Inauguration. We'll be attending the "Camelot" Inaugural Ball on Jan. 19, part of the three-day celebration in Washington D.C. Our ball is just for students and is not considered one of the 10 "official balls" that President-elect Obama is expected to drop in on.

4. What else are you going to see on your visit?
We'll see the White House, but we won't have a chance to go inside. We're visiting the Lincoln Memorial, and a number of the Smithsonian Museums. We also have trips planned to the Capitol, a working newsroom, and Mount Vernon, the home of our first President, George Washington.

Thanks for your questions and support for our trip!
Ms. Lannin and the Eagle Times staff