It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given.
The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit to choose our better history to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. But know this, America - they will be met. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics.
Our health care is too costly our schools fail too many and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. Homes have been lost jobs shed businesses shuttered. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. So it must be with this generation of Americans. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.įorty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. My fellow citizens, I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday, as prepared for delivery and released by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.