"At the height of World War II in 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt opted for a low-key inauguration for the start of his fourth term, with a simple swearing-in, a brief speech from the South Portico of the White House to a small crowd and a modest luncheon.

He was the exception.

No other president-elect taking office during wartime has scaled back his inaugural events as Roosevelt did.

Sixty years ago, Roosevelt delivered his speech, just 559 words, at the White House rather than the Capital because of the war and his poor health. A post-inauguration luncheon was held for 1,000 guests. The menu reflected wartime austerity: cold chicken salad, rolls without butter, unfrosted pound cake, and coffee."