Chief Justice William Rehnquist administered the presidential oath of office to Bush and Justice Sandra Day O'Connor administered the vice presidential oath of office to Quayle.

[1] Bush was the first sitting vice president to be inaugurated as president (not due to his predecessor's death or resignation) since Martin Van Buren in 1837 and the last World War II combat veteran.

The event helped the Washington Metro set a single-day record of 604,089 trips, breaking the record of 565,000 set the spring before by the Washington for Jesus '88 rally.

[2] Weather conditions for 12 noon at Washington National Airport, located 3.1 miles from the ceremony, were: 50 °F (10 °C), wind 18 mph, and cloudy.

[3] Bush recited the following, as prescribed by the Constitution: I, George Herbert Walker Bush, do solemnly swear 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.