Remember these inauguration speeches?
Remember these inauguration speeches?
John F. Kennedy
January 20, 1961
''Neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course - so let us begin anew remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate. Let both side explore what problems unite us instead of belabouring those problems which divide us."
Ronald Reagan
January 20, 1981
"We will again be the exemplar of freedom, and a beacon of hope for those who do not now have freedom. To those neighbours and allies who share or our freedom, we will strengthen our historic ties and assure them of our support and firm commitment. We will match loyalty with loyalty. We will strive for mutually-beneficial relations. We will not use our friendship to impose our sovereignty, for our own sovereignty is not for sale. As for the enemies of freedom, those who are potential adversaries, they will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will not surrender for it, now or ever. With God's help, we can and will resolve the problems which now confront us. And, after all, we shouldn't we believe that? We are Americans. God bless you, and thank you."
Bill Clinton
January 20, 1993
''From this joyful mountaintop of celebration, we hear a call to service in the valley. We have heard the trumpets. We have changed the guard. And now, each in our way, and with God's help, we must answer the call.''
Barack Obama
January 20, 2009
''This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.''
''America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
