"Who recited the poem ""The Gift Outright"" at John F Kennedy's inauguration as president of the USA in 1961?"
The Gift Outright poem "For John F. Kennedy His Inauguration". The Gift Outright "The Gift Outright" is a poem written by Robert Frost. Frost first recited it at the College of William & Mary on December 5, 1941, but its most famous recitation occurred on January 20, 1961 at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. The poem was first published in the "Virginia Quarterly Review" in Spring 1942. It was collected in Frost's volume "A Witness Tree" in 1943. According to Jeffrey S. Cramer the poem may have been written as early as 1936. At the presidential inauguration Frost recited "The Gift Outright"
Inauguration of John F. Kennedy the back of the frame: "For Jack. First thing I had framed to be put in your office. First thing to be hung there." Frost officially presented the poem, retitled to "For John F. Kennedy His Inauguration" and expanded from 42 to 77 lines, to Kennedy in March 1962. The unread poem (published in 1962 as part of Frost's "In the Clearing" poetry collection) was finally recited at the U.S. Capitol by Chaplain Daniel P. Coughlin during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Kennedy's inauguration. The oath of office for the President was administered by Chief Justice of the United States