Hillary Clinton has lightened the mood at the routine swearing in of Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Michael Hammer, by donning some wing-tipped purple and green sunglasses.

(Photo: ABC News Via The Christian Post)Hillary Clinton at the routine swearing in of Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Michael Hammer.

As a packed room of friends, family and colleagues gathered for the swearing in, Clinton came to the front and addressed the room by saying that although the day was about new Assistant Secretary Michael Hammer, it was also about the color purple – the color of the sunglasses and also incidentally Hammer's favorite color.

Clinton joked, "Mike, I was in a real dilemma. I have pantsuits in nearly every color – except purple."

Clinton's jokes were well received and were greeted with clapping and laughter in the light-hearted ceremony.

Hammer's wife and daughters were all featuring purple outfits, which Clinton pointed out, as she explained her desire to be appropriately dressed for the occasion as well. She continued by adding purple mardi gras beads and the wing-tipped purple and green sunglasses.

As she spoke affectionately of Hammer and his devoted work at the White House and the State Department Clinton took off the comedy sunglasses. Her speech was a very personal reflection, and boasted about Hammer's record of public service.

However, Clinton again moved to lighten the mood when it came to the actual oath, as she then put back on the funny sunglasses and turned to Hammer to begin the official swearing in. She was again greeted with laughter.