Hughes, a US district court judge, conducted the swearing-in of President Lyndon B. Johnson
"It was a beautiful sight, the presidential plane, long and sleek, a blue and two white stripes running the length of the plane, with the words, 'The United States of America' on the blue stripe. It seemed to exemplify the strength and courage of our country.... Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had been my friends for many years, but on such an occasion, there did not seem to be anything to say. I embraced them both, for that was the best way to give expression to my feeling of grief for them, and for all of us. By that time a Bible that was on the plane had been thrust into my hands.... Here was a man with the ability and determination for the task ahead. Great as are the responsibilities of office, I felt he could carry on. I told him so, and that we were behind him, and he would have our sympathy and our help. As I left the plane, I heard him give the order to take off, 'Now let's get ready and go.'"
