篇一：美国总统布什就职演讲稿(中英文对照)
美国总统布什就职演讲稿（中英文对照）
布什：保护与捍卫《美国宪法》。
芮恩奎斯特：上帝保佑我。
布什：上帝保佑我。
芮恩奎斯特：恭喜！
谢谢大家！
尊敬的芮恩奎斯特大法官，卡特总统，布什总统，克林顿总统，尊敬的来宾们，我的同胞们， 这次权利的和平过渡在历史上是罕见的，但在美国是平常的。我们以朴素的宣誓庄严地维护了古老的传统，同时开始了新的历程。首先，我要感谢克林顿总统为这个国家作出的贡献，也感谢副总统戈尔在竞选过程中的热情与风度。
站在这里，我很荣幸，也有点受宠若惊。在我之前，许多美国领导人从这里起步；在我之后，也会有许多领导人从这里继续前进。
在美国悠久的历史中，我们每个人都有自己的位置；我们还在继续推动着历史前进，但是我们不可能看到它的尽头。这是一部新世界的发展史，是一部后浪推前浪的历史。这是一部美国由奴隶制社会发展成为崇尚自由的社会的历史。这是一个强国保护而不是占有世界的历史，是捍卫而不是征服世界的历史。这就是美国史。它不是一部十全十美的民族发展史，但它是一部在伟大和永恒理想指导下几代人团结奋斗的历史。 这些理想中最伟大的是正在慢慢实现的美国的承诺，这就是：每个人都有自身的价值，每个人都有成功的机会，每个人天生都会有所作为的。美国人民肩负着一种使命，那就是要竭力将这个诺言变成生活中和法律上的现实。虽然我们的国家过去在追求实现这个承诺的途中停滞不前甚至倒退，但我们仍将坚定不移地完成这一使命。 在上个世纪的大部分时间里，美国自由民主的信念犹如汹涌大海中的岩石。现在它更像风中的种子，把自由带给每个民族。在我们的国家，民主不仅仅是一种信念，而是全人类的希望。民主，我们不会独占，而会竭力让大家分享。民主，我们将铭记于心并且不断传播。225年过去了，我们仍有很长的路要走。 有很多公民取得了成功，但也有人开始怀疑，怀疑我们自己的国家所许下的诺言，甚至怀疑它的公正。失败的教育，潜在的偏见和出身的环境限制了一些美国人的雄心。有时，我们的分歧是如此之深，似乎我们虽身处同一个大陆，但不属于同一个国家。我们不能接受这种分歧，也无法容许它的存在。我们的团结和统一，是每一代领导人和每一个公民的严肃使命。在此，我郑重宣誓：我将竭力建设一个公正、充满机会的统一国家。我知道这是我们的目标，因为上帝按自己的身形创造了我们，上帝高于一切的力量将引导我们前进。 对这些将我们团结起来并指引我们向前的原则，我们充满信心。血缘、出身或地域从未将美国联合起来。只有理想，才能使我们心系一处，超越自己，放弃个人利益，并逐步领会何谓公民。每个孩子都必须学习这些原则。每个公民都必须坚持这些原则。每个移民，只有接受这些原则，才能使我们的国家不丧失而更具美国特色。
今天，我们在这里重申一个新的信念，即通过发扬谦恭、勇气、同情心和个性的
精神来实现我们国家的理想。美国在它最鼎盛时也没忘记遵循谦逊有礼的原则。一个文明的社会需要我们每个人品质优良，尊重他人，为人公平和宽宏大量。 有人认为我们的政治制度是如此的微不足道，因为在和平年代，我们所争论的话题都是无关紧要的。但是，对我们美国来说，我们所讨论的问题从来都不是什么小事。如果我们不领导和平事业，那么和平将无人来领导；如果我们不引导我们的孩子们真心地热爱知识、发挥个
性，他们的天分将得不到发挥，理想将难以实现。如果我们不采取适当措施，任凭经济衰退，最大的受害者将是平民百姓。 我们应该时刻听取时代的呼唤。谦逊有礼不是战术也不是感情用事。这是我们最坚定的选择--在批评声中赢得信任；在混乱中寻求统一。如果遵循这样的承诺，我们将会享有共同的成就。 美国有强大的国力作后盾，将会勇往直前。 在大萧条和战争时期，我们的人民在困难面前表现得无比英勇，克服我们共同的困难体现了我们共同的优秀品质。现在，我们正面临着选择，如果我们作出正确的选择，祖辈一定会激励我们；如果我们的选择是错误的，祖辈会谴责我们的。上帝正眷顾着这个国家，我们必须显示出我们的勇气，敢于面对问题，而不是将它们遗留给我们的后代。 我们要共同努力，健全美国的学校教育，不能让无知和冷漠吞噬更多的年轻生命。我们要改革社会医疗和保险制度，在力所能及的范围内拯救我们的孩子。我们要减低税收，恢复经
济，酬劳辛勤工作的美国人民。我们要防患于未然，懈怠会带来麻烦。我们还要阻止武器泛滥，使新的世纪摆脱恐怖的威胁。 反对自由和反对我们国家的人应该明白：美国仍将积极参与国际事务，力求世界力量的均衡，让自由的力量遍及全球。这是历史的选择。我们会保护我们的盟国，捍卫我们的利益。我们将谦逊地向世界人民表示我们的目标。我们将坚决反击各种侵略和不守信用的行径。我们
要向全世界宣传孕育了我们伟大民族的价值观。 正处在鼎盛时期的美国也不缺乏同情心。 当我们静心思考，我们就会明了根深蒂固的贫穷根本不值得我国作出承诺。无论我们如何看待贫穷的原因，我们都必须承认，孩子敢于冒险不等于在犯错误。放纵与滥用都为上帝所不容。这些都是缺乏爱的结果。监狱数量的增长虽然看起来是有必要的，但并不能代替我们心中的希望-人人遵纪守法。 哪里有痛苦，我们的义务就在哪里。对我们来说，需要帮助的美国人不是陌生人，而是我们的公民；不是负担，而是急需救助的对象。当有人陷入绝望时，我们大家都会因此变得渺小。 对公共安全和大众健康，对民权和学校教育，政府都应负有极大的责任。然而，同情心不只是政府的职责，更是整个国家的义务。有些需要是如此的迫切，有些伤痕是如此的深刻，
只有导师的爱抚、牧师的祈祷才能有所感触。不论是教堂还是慈善机构、犹太会堂还是清真寺，都赋予了我们的社会它们特有的人性，因此它们理应在我们的建设和法律上受到尊重。 我们国家的许多人都不知道贫穷的痛苦。但我们可以听到那些感触颇深的人们的倾诉。我发誓我们的国家要达到一种境界：当我们看见受伤的行人倒在远行的路上，我们决不会袖手旁观。正处于鼎盛期的美国重视并期待每个人担负起自己的责任。 鼓励人们勇于承担责任不是让人们充当替罪羊，而是对人的良知的呼唤。虽然承担责任意味着牺牲个人利益，但是你能从中体会到一种更加深刻的成就感。 我们实现人生的完整不单是通过摆在我们面前的选择，而且是通过我们的实践来实现。我们知道，通过对整个社会和我们的孩子们尽我们的义务，我们将得到最终自由。 我们的公共利益依赖于我们
独立的个性；依赖于我们的公民义务，家庭纽带和基本的公正；依赖于我们无数的、默默无闻的体面行动，正是它们指引我们走向自由。 在生活中，有时我们被召唤着去做一些惊天动地的事情。但是，正如我们时代的一位圣人所言，每一天我们都被召唤带着挚爱去做一些小事情。一个民主制度最重要的任务是由大家每一个人来完成的。 我为人处事的原则包括：坚信自己而不强加于人，为公众的利益勇往直前，追求正义而不乏同情心，勇担责任而决不推卸。我要通过这一切，用我们历史上传统价值观来哺育我们的时代。 (同胞们)，你们所做的一切和政府的工作同样重要。我希望你们不要仅仅追求个人享受而忽略公众的利益；要捍卫既定的改革措施，使其不会轻易被攻击；要从身边小事做起，为我们的国家效力。我希望你们成为真正的公民，而不是旁观者，更不是臣民。你们应成为有责任心的公民，共同来建设一个互帮互助的社会和有特色的国家。 美国人民慷慨、强大、体面，这并非因为我们信任我们自己，而是因为我们拥有超越我们自己的信念。一旦这种公民精神丧失了，无论何种政府计划都无法弥补它。一旦这种精神出
现了，无论任何错误都无法抗衡它。 在《独立宣言》签署之后，弗吉尼亚州的政治家约翰·佩齐曾给托马斯·杰弗逊写信说："我们知道，身手敏捷不一定就能赢得比赛，力量强大不一定就能赢得战争。难道这一切不都是上帝安排的吗？"杰斐逊就任总统的那个年代离我们已经很远了。时光飞逝，美国发生了翻天覆地的变化。但是有一点他肯定能够预知，即我们这个时代的主题仍然是：我们国家无畏向前的恢宏故事和它追求尊严的纯朴梦想。 我们不是这个故事的作者，是杰斐逊作者本人的伟大理想穿越时空，并通过我们每天的努力在变为现实。我们正在通过大家的努力在履行着各自的职责。 带着永不疲惫、永不气馁、永不完竭的信念，今天我们重树这样的目标：使我们的国家变得更加公正、更加慷慨，去验证我们每个人和所有人生命的尊严。 这项工作必须继续下去。这个故事必须延续下去。上帝会驾驭我们航行的。 愿上帝保佑大家！愿上帝保佑美国！
Renquist: Governor, are you ready to take the oath?
Bush: I am.
Renquist: Please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, George Walker Bush, do solemnly swear.
Bush: I, George Walker Bush, do solemnly swear.
Renquist: That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.
Bush: That I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.
Renquist: And will to the best of my ability...
Bush: And will to the best of my ability...
Renquist: ...preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Bush: ...preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Renquist: So help me, God.
Bush: So help me, God.
Renquist: Congratulations!
I thank you all. Chief Justice Renquist, President Carter, President Bush, President Clinton, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens. The peaceful transfer of authority is rare in history, yet common in our country. With a simple oath, we affirm old traditions and make new beginnings.
I am honored and humbled to stand here where so many of America's leaders have come before me, and so many will follow.
We have a place, all of us, in a long story. A story we continued, but whose end we will not see. It is a story of a new world that became a friend and liberator of the old. A story of a slave holding society that became a servant of freedom. It is the American story. A story of flawed and fallible people, united across the generations by grand and 1)enduring ideals.
The grandest of these ideals is an 2)unfolding American promise that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was ever born. Americans are called to 3)enact this promise in our lives and in our laws. And although our nation has sometimes halted and sometimes delayed, we must follow no other course.
Sometimes in life we're called to do great things. But as a saint of our times has said, "Everyday we're called to do small things with great love." The most important tasks of a democracy are done by everyone. I will live and lead by these principles, to advance my convictions with civility, to pursue the public interest with courage, to speak for greaterjustice and compassion, to call for responsibility, and try to live it as well. In all these ways, I will bring the values of our history to the care of our times.
What you do is an important as anything government does. I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort, to defend needed reforms against easy attacks, to serve your nation beginning with your neighbor. I ask you to be citizens; citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens building communities of service and a nation of character.
Americans are generous and strong and decent not because we believe in ourselves, but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves. When this spirit of citizenship is missing, no government program can replace it. When this spirit is present, no wrong can stand against it.
After the Declaration of Independence was signed, Virginian statesman John Page wrote to Thomas Jefferson. "We know the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. Do you not think an angel rides in the
5)whirlwind and directs this storm?"
Much time has passed since Jefferson arrived for his inauguration. The yearsand changes accumulate. But the things of this day, he would know; our nation's grand story of courage, and its simple dream of dignity. We are not this story's author, who fills time and eternity with his purpose. Yet his purpose is achieved in our duty, and our duty is fulfilled in service to one another.
Never tiring, never yielding, never finishing. We renew that purpose today, to make our country more just and generous, to affirm the dignity of our lives, and every life. This work continues. The story goes on. And an angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm.
God bless you all and God bless America!
篇二：小布什第二任总统就职演说
小布什第二任总统就职演说 2005年1月20日
President Bush's Second Inaugural Address
Vice President Cheney, Mr. Chief Justice, President Carter, President Bush, President Clinton, members of United States' Congress, reverend clergy, distinguished guests, fellow citizens:
On this day, prescribed by law and marked by ceremony, we celebrate the durable wisdom of our Constitution, and recall the deep commitments that unite our country. I am grateful for the honor of this hour, mindful of the consequential times in which we live, and determined to fulfill the oath that I have sworn and you have witnessed. 今天,按照宪法规定我们举行这个仪式.我们在此欢庆我国宪法常青的智慧,追寻我们团结全国的深切责任感. 我感佩这个时刻带来的荣耀,意识到我们时代的期盼并期待着完成我的誓言,请你们做证.
At this second gathering, our duties are defined not by the words I use, but by the history we have seen together. For a half century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical - and then there came a day of fire.
这是我们第二次聚会,我们的责任并非由我的讲演来确定,它源于我们当前历史时期的要求.半个世纪以来,美国在遥远的边界上捍卫着我们的自由，共产主义极权专政破产后我们有相对平静、懒散的岁月,而后是火光四射的那一天.
We have seen our vulnerability - and we have seen its deepest source. For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny - prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder - violence will gather, and multiply in destructive power, and cross the most defended borders, and raise a mortal threat. There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom.
我们已明了自身的弱点,我们也深知其根源.只要世界某些区域酝酿着不满、滋生着暴君,就会产生宣扬仇恨和为屠杀寻找借口的意识形态,就会聚集暴力和毁灭的能量,它们会越过严密把守的边界带来毁灭的威胁.这个世界只存在一种力量可以冲决仇恨、揭露暴君的虚伪、扶植容忍、培育尊严,那就是人类的自由.
We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.
我们受常识的指引和历史的教诲,得出如下结论:自由是否能在我们的土地上存在,正日益依赖于自由在别国的胜利.对和平的热切期望只能源于自由在世界上的扩展.
America's vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one. From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights,
and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time.
关系到美国生死存亡的利益和我们基本的信念合而为一.自立国始,我们就宣示:生于世间的每个男女都拥有他们的权力、尊严和无可比拟的价值,因为他们拥有创造天地之神的形象.每一世代,我们重申着民有政权的重要性,没有什么人应该是主人而另一些人应该做奴隶.实现这一理念的使命是我们的立国之本.我们的先父荣耀地完成了这一使命.进一步扩展这一理念是国家安全的要求, 是我们的当务之急.
So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.
有鉴于此,美国的政策是寻求并支持世界各国和各种文化背景下成长的民主运动,寻求并支持民主的制度化.最终的目标是终结世间的任何极权制度.
This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will
这个目标最终不应由暴力达成,尽管在必要时,我们将以武力自卫,并保卫我们的朋友.自由的性质要求公民去自觉地选择它,捍卫它,并通过立法加以维护,同时保障劣势者.当一个国家的魂魄最终选择自由时,它的制度将反映着不同于我们的文化和传统.美国将不会强迫任何国家接受我们的国家体制.我们的目的,是帮助其他国家找到自己的声音,获得自身的自由,发现自己的自由之路.
The great objective of ending tyranny is the concentrated work of generations. The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it. America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause.
终结专制统治的巨大使命是几代人努力的目标.其难度不是无所作为的借口.美国的影响有限,但值得庆幸的是,美国的影响也是有力的,我们将充满信心地在追求自由的道路上帮助你们.
My most solemn duty is to protect this nation and its people from further attacks and emerging threats. Some have unwisely chosen to test America's resolve, and have found it firm.
我最庄严的责任是保护我的国家和它的人民不再受到任何袭击和威胁.有些人不
明智地选择了试探美国的决心,他们发现了我们坚定的意志.
We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right.
我们坚定地给每一个统治者每一个国家提出这样的选择:请在压迫---这终究是错的,与自由---这永远是正确的,之间做道义的选择
America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.
.美国不会装模作样地默认被关押的异议者自我选择了枷锁,也不会默认妇女成为可耻的代名词,看着她们变成奴仆,同样不会默认任何人类的一员仰人鼻息地生活.
We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. America's belief in human dignity will guide our policies, yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.
我们将鼓励其它政府的改革,我们将明确表示与美国良好的关系要求他们善对自己的公民.美国对人的尊严的信念将指导我们的政策,但是人民权力并不是源于独裁者违心的让步,它们应该源于人民反对的自由和被统治者的平等参与.从长远看,没有自由,就没有正义,没有人民的自由就不存在人权.
Some, I know, have questioned the global appeal of liberty - though this time in history, four decades defined by the swiftest advance of freedom ever seen, is an odd time for doubt. Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of our ideals. Eventually, the call of freedom comes to every mind and every soul. We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery. Liberty will come to those who love it.
我知道,有些人质疑全球自由,尽管经过四十年自由迅猛的发展,这个怀疑似乎不合时宜.美国全体人民不应被我们理念的力量所惊吓.最终,自由呼唤将发自每一个心灵.我们拒绝接受永恒的专制,因为我们拒绝接受永久的奴役.自由将来到热爱她的人们中间.
Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world:
今天,美国再次向世界人民说话:
All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.
那些生活在专制下绝望的人民应该知道,美利坚合众国不会漠视你们被压迫,不会原谅你们的压迫者.当你们保卫自己的自由时,美国将站在你们一边.
Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.
那些面对着压制、监狱和流放的民主变革的参与者应该知道,美国知道你们的潜力:你们自由国家未来的领袖.
The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."
那些无法无天的统治者应该知道,我们仍然抱有林肯总统的信念:“那些剥夺他人自由的人不配享有自由,而且在公正的上帝面前,他们也不会长久.”
The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.
那些习惯于控制人民的统治者应该知道,为了服务你的人民你应该给予他们信任.开始踏上进步和正义之路,那样,美国将站在你这一边.
And all the allies of the United States can know: we honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help. Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom's enemies. The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies' defeat.
美国的所有盟友们应该知道:我们珍视我们的友谊,我们尊重你们的建议,我们依赖于你们的帮助.分裂自由国家的团结是自由敌人的目的.自由国家相互配合地推进民主是我们的敌人失败的开始.
Today, I also speak anew to my fellow citizens:
今天,我也要对我的同胞、公民们说:
From all of you, I have asked patience in the hard task of securing America, which you have granted in good measure. Our country has accepted obligations that are difficult to fulfill, and would be dishonorable to abandon. Yet because we have acted in the great liberating tradition of this nation, tens of millions have achieved their freedom. And as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it. By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well - a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world.
我要求得到你们所有人的耐心,保卫国家安全是艰巨的任务,这样的耐心你们已经给予我很多了.我们的国家承担着一个困难重重的义务,中途放弃是可耻的.正是因为我们继续着我们国家解放者的传统,成千上万的人们获得了自由.希望催生新的希望,更多的人将获得自由.通过我们的努力,我们点燃了火种,那火种在人们心中.它温暖着感受它力量的人们,它烧毁那些试图阻挠进步的人.终有一天,这无可
熄灭的自由之火将照亮我们这个世界最阴暗的角落.
A few Americans have accepted the hardest duties in this cause - in the quiet work of intelligence and diplomacy ... the idealistic work of helping raise up free governments ... the dangerous and necessary work of fighting our enemies. Some have shown their devotion to our country in deaths that honored their whole lives - and we will always honor their names and their sacrifice.
一些美国人已经接受这个事业中最困难的工作---那些默默无闻的情报和外交工作......这种理想主义激励他们帮助自由政府的工作......那些打击我们的敌人危险而必要的工作.他们中的一些人献出了生命,他们的国家永远以他们为荣---我们也会永远记住他们的名字和他们的贡献.
All Americans have witnessed this idealism, and some for the first time. I ask our youngest citizens to believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself - and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character.
America has need of idealism and courage, because we have essential work at home - the unfinished work of American freedom. In a world moving toward liberty, we are determined to show the meaning and promise of liberty.
所有的美国人都见证了这种理想主义,有些人是第一次看到.我要求我们的青年相信自己的观察.你们看到了我们士兵们充满责任和忠诚的坚毅面孔.你们也看到了生命的脆弱和魔鬼的真实,你们更看到了战胜的勇气.请选择参加这一进程,它比起个人需要重要得多,比个人伟大得多.一旦轮到你们,你们不但增加了我们国家的财富,也将为她增添光彩.
美国需要理想主义和勇气,因为我们要完成国内的任务.美国自由的未竞之业,在一个走向自由的世界里,我们要展示自由的真义和自由的承诺.
In America's ideal of freedom, citizens find the dignity and security of economic independence, instead of laboring on the edge of subsistence. This is the broader definition of liberty that motivated the Homestead Act, the Social Security Act, and the G.I. Bill of Rights. And now we will extend this vision by reforming great institutions to serve the needs of our time. To give every American a stake in the promise and future of our country, we will bring the highest standards to our schools, and build an ownership society. We will widen the ownership of homes and businesses, retirement savings and health insurance - preparing our people for the challenges of life in a free society. By making every citizen an agent of his or her own destiny, we will give our fellow Americans greater freedom from want and fear, and make our society more prosperous and just and equal.
在美国自由的信念里,公民享有尊严和经济上的独立,不是生活在潦倒的边缘.这是更广义自由的定义,它促生了《房屋法案》,《社会安全法案》和《人权法案》.现在,我们将改革形成伟大的制度来服务于我们的时代,并扩展这一定义.每个美国人将分享国家的承诺和未来.我们将用最高的标准来要求我们的学校,建立一个
篇三：布什就职演说(英文版)
布什就职演说（英文版）
Chief Justice Rehnquist, President Carter, President Bush, President Clinton, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens, the peaceful transfer of authority is rare in history, yet common in our country. With
a simple oath, we affirm old traditions and make new beginnings.
As I begin, I thank President Clinton for his service to our nation.
And I thank Vice President Gore for a contest conducted with spirit and
ended with grace.
I am honored and humbled to stand here, where so many of America's leaders
have come before me, and so many will follow.
We have a place, all of us, in a long story -- a story we continue, but
whose end we will not see. It is the story of a new world that became a
friend and liberator of the old, a story of a slave-holding society
that
became a servant of freedom, the story of a power that went into the world
to protect but not possess, to defend but not to conquer.
It is the American story -- a story of flawed and fallible people, united
across the generations by grand and enduring ideals.
The grandest of these ideals is an unfolding American promise that everyone be
longs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was
ever
born.
Americans are called to enact this promise in our lives and in our laws.
And t
hough our nation has sometimes halted, and sometimes delayed, we must follow n
o other course.