On January 21, Gov. Lee took the oath of office for his second term at an inaugural ceremony with the theme, ‘Tennessee: Leading the Nation.’
“Tennessee is leading the nation as a guiding light for opportunity, security, and freedom,” said Gov. Lee while preparing for the ceremony.
Leading up to taking the oath of office, the Lee administration held a series of events, celebrating the rich history of Tennessee including tours of the Tennessee State Capitol and Tennessee State Museum, and a reception at the Wildhorse Saloon.
Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris McClarney, Nicole C. Mullen, Chris Tomlin, the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Fisk University, and other acclaimed performers headlined the Inaugural Worship Service at the legendary Ryman Auditorium.
Immediately following the worship service, Gov. Lee took the oath of office at the Inauguration Ceremony at Legislative Plaza. The oath was administered by Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Page.
Following taking the oath, Gov. Lee gave a speech in which he outlined his priorities for his second term:
“The halfway point of any endeavor is a good time to reflect, but it’s an even better time to plan—to focus on the work still ahead.
“We need a transportation strategy and an energy strategy designed for one of the fastest-growing states in America.
“We need to enhance efforts to conserve our natural resources and preserve the environment of what I believe is the most beautiful place in the world.
“We need to protect children in our custody and in our state with a better foster care and adoption process.
“We need to do these things and many more, but we can never abandon the standard of fiscal responsibility that makes our success possible.”
Lee closed his speech calling for civility in Tennessee politics.
“We can disagree and stand firm for our beliefs and our principles, but we should never forget the dignity of the other human being. We should never believe differences are a platform for demonization, or that one man has any greater value than another.
“Civility is not a weakness. In fact, it has been and it should always be the American Way. And I know it can be the way in Tennessee.
“You and I, and this state, have been entrusted with treasures, not meant to be buried but to be spent on helping our fellow man.
“We should recognize our treasures, celebrate our accomplishments, and be challenged by what lies ahead.
“May we, together, each one of us, consider the other and how we may use our lives to multiply in theirs.”
Following the inauguration was a dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and Inaugural Ball at the Belmont Fisher Center.
