Caroline Kennedy sworn in as ambassador to Japan (VIDEO)

Caroline Kennedy is getting the chance her father never had after being named United States ambassador to Japan. She was sworn in Tuesday afternoon.

During her Senate confirmation hearing in September, the 55-year-old author and attorney said it was John F. Kennedy’s ambition to become the first sitting American president to make a state visit to Japan.

JFK served with the US Navy in the Pacific during the Second World War, and was assassinated before returning to Asia.

Now his only surviving child, Kennedy said she embraces the opportunity to serve her country.

“I am conscious of my responsibility to uphold the ideals he represented: a deep commitment to public service, a more just America and a more peaceful world,” Kennedy said, according to CBS News.

“I would be humbled to carry forward his legacy in a small way and represent the powerful bonds that unite our two democratic societies.”

Secretary of State John Kerry delivered the oath in a private ceremony at the State Department, the Washington Post reported.

According to the newspaper, Kennedy will begin her new job at the end of this month. It’s bound to be an emotional time for Kennedy, whose father was killed on Nov. 22, 1963 – 50 years ago. She also turns 56 on Nov. 27.

Kennedy is the only surviving child of JFK and Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy. The couple lost two children in infancy, and John F. Kennedy Jr. died during a plane crash in 1999.

Caroline Kennedy has long held the Kennedy allure for many. She became a successful author and fundraiser, and is credited with helping President Barack Obama win the 2008 Democratic nomination over Hillary Clinton.