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TimeLines of Liberty
American History - Documents |
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The Inauguration Speeches of the
American Presidents.
Inauguration Speeches
Historical Documents -
Speeches
-
Party Platforms |
Index -
George Washington
- John Adams -
Thomas
Jefferson - James Madison -
James Monroe -
John Q
Adams
Andrew Jackson -
Martin Van Buren -
William
Henry Harrison - John Tyler -
James Knox Polk -
Zachary Taylor
Millard Fillmore -
Franklin Pierce
- James Buchanan -
Abraham
Lincoln - Andrew Johnson -
Ulysses S. Grant
Rutherford B. Hayes
- James A. Garfield -
Chester
Arthur - Grover Cleveland -
Benjamin Harrison -
Grover
Cleveland
William McKinley -
Theodore Roosevelt -
William Howard Taft
- Woodrow Wilson -
William Harding
- Calvin Coolidge
Herbert
Hoover - Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Harry S. Truman -
Dwight D. Eisenhower
- John F. Kennedy -
Lyndon B. Johnson
Richard M. Nixon -
Gerald R. Ford -
Jimmy Carter -
Ronald Reagan -
George H. W. Bush
- Bill Clinton -
George W. Bush
Barack H. Obama
18th Century -
19th Century -
20th Century -
21st Century |
Last updated January, 2009.
Titles are linked to the text of the Speech (off-site)
The President's name after the quote links to more information
on that President. |
|
1789 |
Info.
Oath |
Each President is required
by the U.S. Constitution to recite the oath of office prior to
assuming the duties of the Presidency.
"I
do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the
office of President of the United States, and will to the best
of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of
the United States."
"So help me God." was added by George Washington
and has become an American tradition that has been followed by
every President since.
See George Washington
and Presidential Elections |
|
1789 |
Info.
Speech |
George Washington established
the practice of an Inaugural speech by going beyond the
requirements of the Constitution. Every President since has
followed the practice making it an American Tradition.
The first Inauguration speech by President George Washington
was the shortest with only 135 words.
See George Washington
and Presidential Elections |
|
Inauguration
Speeches |
|
1789 |
Inaugural
Speech |
George Washington's
first Inaugural Speech (April 30, 1789)
"... it would be peculiarly improper to omit in
this first official act my fervent supplications to that
Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the
councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply
every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the
liberties and happiness of the people of the United States ..."
- George Washington
See George Washington
and Presidential Elections |
|
1793 |
Inaugural
Speech |
George Washington's
second Inaugural Speech (March
4, 1793)
"... I
shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this
distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been
reposed in me by the people of united America."
- George Washington
See George Washington
and Presidential Elections |
|
1797 |
Inaugural
Speech |
John Adams -
Inaugural (MARCH 4, 1797)
"And may that Being who is supreme over all, the Patron of
Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of
the world of virtuous liberty, continue His blessing upon this
nation and its Government..."
See
John Adams and
Presidential Elections |
|
19th Century - 1800s |
|
1801 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Thomas Jefferson's first Inaugural Address (MARCH 4, 1801)
"And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of
the universe Lead our councils towhat is best, and give them a
favorable issue for your peace and prosperity."
See Thomas
Jefferson and Presidential
Elections |
|
1805 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Thomas Jefferson's second Inaugural Address (MARCH 4, 1805)
"... I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands
we are, who led our forefathers, as Israel of old, from their
native land, and planted them in a country flowing with all the
necessaries and comforts of life; who has covered our infancy
with his providence, and our riper years with his wisdom and
power; ..."
See Thomas Jefferson
and Presidential Elections |
|
1809 |
Inaugural
Speech |
James Madison's first Inaugural Address (MARCH 4, 1809)
"In these my confidence will under every difficulty be best
placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel
in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose
power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have
been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to
whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past,
as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the
future."
See James Madison and
Presidential Elections |
|
1812 |
War |
War of 1812 (June 18, 1812) Congress declares war with Great
Britain. |
|
1813 |
Inaugural
Speech |
James Madison's second Inaugural Address (MARCH 4, 1813)
"... Our nation is in number more than half that of the British
Isles. It is composed of a brave, a free, a virtuous, and an
intelligent people. Our country abounds in the necessaries, the
arts, and the comforts of life. ..."
See James Madison and
Presidential Elections |
|
1814 |
War |
Treaty of Ghent (December 24, 1814) "Treaty of Peace and Amity
between His Britannic Majesty and the United States of America."
is signed |
|
1817 |
Inaugural
Speech |
James Monroe's first Inaugural
Address (MARCH 4, 1817)
"... I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the
suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the
Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us
that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed
in our favor."
See James Monroe and
Presidential Elections |
|
1821 |
Inaugural
Speech |
James Monroe's second Inaugural
Address (MARCH 4, 1821)
"... With full confidence in the continuance of that
candor and generous indulgence from my fellow-citizens at large
which I have heretofore experienced, and with a firm reliance on
the protection of Almighty God, I shall forthwith commence the
duties of the high trust to which you have called me."
See James Monroe and
Presidential Elections |
|
1825 |
Inaugural
Speech |
John Quincy Adam's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1825)
"... I shall look for whatever success may attend my public
service; and knowing that "except the Lord keep the city the
watchman waketh but in vain," with fervent supplications for His
favor, to His overruling providence I commit with humble but
fearless confidence my own fate and the future destinies of my
country."
See John Quincy
Adams and Presidential
Elections |
|
1829 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Andrew Jackson's first Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1829)
"... And a firm reliance on the goodness of that Power whose
providence mercifully protected our national infancy, and has
since upheld our liberties in various vicissitudes, encourages
me to offer up my ardent supplications that He will continue to
make our beloved country the object of His divine care and
gracious benediction."
See Andrew Jackson and
Presidential Elections |
|
1833 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Andrew Jackson's second Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1833)
"... Finally, it is my most
fervent prayer to that Almighty Being before whom I now stand,
and who has kept us in His hands from the infancy of our
Republic to the present day, that He will so overrule all my
intentions and actions and inspire the hearts of my
fellow-citizens that we may be preserved from dangers of all
kinds and continue forever a united and happy people."
See Andrew Jackson,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1837 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Martin Van Buren's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1837)
"... I only look to the gracious protection of the Divine Being
whose strengthening support I humbly solicit, and whom I
fervently pray to look down upon us all. May it be among the
dispensations of His providence to bless our beloved country
with honors and with length of days. May her ways be ways of
pleasantness and all her paths be peace!"
See Martin Van Buren,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1841 |
Inaugural
Speech |
William Henry Harrison's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1841)
"... I only look to the gracious protection of the Divine Being
whose strengthening support I humbly solicit, and whom I
fervently pray to look down upon us all. May it be among the
dispensations of His providence to bless our beloved country
with honors and with length of days. May her ways be ways of
pleasantness and all her paths be peace!"
See William
Henry Harrison, Presidential
Elections and Party Platforms |
|
|
Oath |
John Tyler
was not inaugurated but did take the oath of office. |
|
1845 |
Inaugural
Speech |
James Knox Polk's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1845)
"... I enter upon the discharge of the high duties which have
been assigned me by the people, again humbly supplicating that
Divine Being who has watched over and protected our beloved
country from its infancy to the present hour to continue His
gracious benedictions upon us, that we may continue to be a
prosperous and happy people."
See James Knox Polk,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1848 |
War |
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed on July 4, 1848 ending
the war with Mexico. |
|
1849 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Zachary Taylor's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1849)
"... In all disputes between conflicting governments it is our
interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral,
while our geographical position, the genius of our institutions
and our people, the advancing spirit of civilization, and, above
all, the dictates of religion direct us to the cultivation of
peaceful and friendly relations with all other powers. ..."
See Zachary Taylor,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
|
Oath |
Millard Fillmore was
not inaugurated but did take the oath of office. |
|
1853 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Franklin Pierce's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1853)
"... Standing, as I do, almost within view of the green slopes
of Monticello, and, as it were, within reach of the tomb of
Washington, with all the cherished memories of the past
gathering around me like so many eloquent voices of exhortation
from heaven, I can express no better hope for my country than
that the kind Providence which smiled upon our fathers may
enable their children to preserve the blessings they have
inherited. ..."
See Franklin Pierce,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1857 |
Inaugural
Speech |
James Buchanan's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1857)
"... I shall now proceed to take the oath prescribed by the
Constitution, whilst humbly invoking the blessing of Divine
Providence on this great people. ..."
See James Buchanan,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1860 |
Civil |
Civil War |
|
1861 |
Confederate
Inaugural
Speech |
Jefferson Davis, 1st Inaugural Address (February 18, 1861)
"Called to the difficult and responsible station of Chief
Executive of the Provisional Government which you have
instituted," - Jefferson Davis |
|
1861 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Abraham Lincoln's first Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1861)
"... If the Almighty Ruler of Nations, with His eternal truth
and justice, be on your side of the North, or on yours of the
South, that truth and that justice will surely prevail by the
judgment of this great tribunal of the American people. ..."
See Abraham
Lincoln, Presidential
Elections and Party Platforms |
|
1862 |
Confederate
Inaugural
Speech |
Jefferson Davis, 2nd Inaugural Address (February 22, 1862)
"Deeply sensible of all that is implied by this manifestation of
the people's confidence, I am yet more profoundly impressed by
the vast responsibility of the office, and humbly feel my own
unworthiness." - Jefferson Davis |
|
1865 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Abraham Lincoln's second
Inaugural Address (MARCH
4, 1865)
"... Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth
piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of
unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood
drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the
sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be
said 'the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous
altogether.' ..."
See Abraham
Lincoln, Presidential
Elections and Party Platforms |
|
|
Oath |
Andrew Johnson
was not inaugurated but did take the oath of office. |
|
1869 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Ulysses S. Grant's
first Inaugural
Address (MARCH 4, 1869)
"... In conclusion I ask patient forbearance one toward another
throughout the land, and a determined effort on the part of
every citizen to do his share toward cementing a happy union;
and I ask the prayers of the nation to Almighty God in behalf of
this consummation. "
See Ulysses S. Grant,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1873 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Ulysses S. Grant's
second Inaugural
Address (MARCH 4, 1873)
"... Commerce, education, and rapid transit of thought
and matter by telegraph and steam have changed all this. Rather
do I believe that our Great Maker is preparing the world, in His
own good time, to become one nation, speaking one language, and
when armies and navies will be no longer required.
..."
See Ulysses S. Grant,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1877 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Rutherford B. Hayes's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 5, 1877)
"... Looking for the guidance of that Divine Hand by which the
destinies of nations and individuals are shaped, I call upon
you, ..." "... to unite with me in an earnest effort to secure
to our country the blessings, ..." "... a union depending not
upon the constraint of force, but upon the loving devotion of a
free people; 'and that all things may be so ordered and settled
upon the best and surest foundations that peace and happiness,
truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among
us for all generations.' "
See Rutherford B. Hayes,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1881 |
Inaugural
Speech |
James
A. Garfield's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1881)
"... I shall greatly rely upon the wisdom and patriotism of
Congress and of those who may share with me the responsibilities
and duties of administration, and, above all, upon our efforts
to promote the welfare of this great people and their Government
I reverently invoke the support and blessings of Almighty God."
See James A. Garfield,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
|
Oath |
Chester
Arthur was not inaugurated but did take the oath of office. |
|
1885 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Grover Cleveland's
first Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1885)
"... And let us not trust to human effort alone, but humbly
acknowledging the power and goodness of Almighty God, who
presides over the destiny of nations, and who has at all times
been revealed in our country's history, let us invoke His aid
and His blessings upon our labors."
See Grover Cleveland,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1889 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Benjamin Harrison's
first Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1889)
"... God has placed upon our head a diadem and has laid at our
feet power and wealth beyond definition or calculation. But we
must not forget that we take these gifts upon the condition that
justice and mercy shall hold the reins of power and that the
upward avenues of hope shall be free to all the people. ..."
See Benjamin Harrison,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1893 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Grover Cleveland's
second Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1893)
"... Above all, I know there is a Supreme Being who rules
the affairs of men and whose goodness and mercy have always
followed the American people, and I know He will not turn from
us now if we humbly and reverently seek His powerful aid."
See Grover Cleveland,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1897 |
Inaugural
Speech |
William McKinley's
first Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1897)
"... I will faithfully execute the office of President of the
United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve,
protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." This
is the obligation I have reverently taken before the Lord Most
High. To keep it will be my single purpose, my constant prayer;
and I shall confidently rely upon the forbearance and assistance
of all the people in the discharge of my solemn
responsibilities."
See William McKinley,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
20th Century
- 1900s |
|
1901 |
Inaugural
Speech |
William McKinley's
second Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1901)
"... Entrusted by the people for a second time with the office
of President, I enter upon its administration appreciating the
great responsibilities which attach to this renewed honor and
commission, promising unreserved devotion on my part to their
faithful discharge and reverently invoking for my guidance the
direction and favor of Almighty God. ..."
See William McKinley,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1901 |
Oath |
Theodore Roosevelt
gave the oath of office but was not inaugurated to his first
term. |
|
1905 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Theodore Roosevelt's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1905)
"... the success which we confidently believe the future will
bring, should cause in us no feeling of vainglory, but rather a
deep and abiding realization of all which life has offered us; a
full acknowledgment of the responsibility which is ours; and a
fixed determination to show that under a free government a
mighty people can thrive best, alike as regards the things of
the body and the things of the soul. ..."
See Theodore Roosevelt,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1909 |
Inaugural
Speech |
William
Howard Taft's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1909)
"... Having thus reviewed the questions likely to recur during
my administration, and having expressed in a summary way the
position which I expect to take in recommendations to Congress
and in my conduct as an Executive, I invoke the considerate
sympathy and support of my fellow-citizens and the aid of the
Almighty God in the discharge of my responsible duties."
See William Howard Taft,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1913 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Woodrow Wilson's first Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1913)
"... This is not a day of triumph; it is a day of dedication.
Here muster, not the forces of party, but the forces of
humanity. Men's hearts wait upon us; men's lives hang in the
balance; men's hopes call upon us to say what we will do. Who
shall live up to the great trust? Who dares fail to try? I
summon all honest men, all patriotic, all forward-looking men,
to my side. God helping me, I will not fail them, if they will
but counsel and sustain me!"
See Woodrow Wilson,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1917 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Woodrow Wilson's
second Inaugural Address
(MARCH 5, 1917)
"... I pray God I may be given the wisdom and the
prudence to do my duty in the true spirit of this great people.
I am their servant and can succeed only as they sustain and
guide me by their confidence and their counsel.
..."
See Woodrow Wilson,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1921 |
Inaugural
Speech |
William Harding's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1921)
"... I accept my part with single-mindedness of purpose
and humility of spirit, and implore the favor and guidance of
God in His Heaven. With these I am unafraid, and confidently
face the future.
I have taken the solemn oath of office on that passage of Holy
Writ wherein it is asked: 'What doth the Lord require of thee
but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy
God?' This I plight to God and country."
See William Harding,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1925 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Calvin Coolidge's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1925)
"... America seeks no earthly empire built on blood and force.
No ambition, no temptation, lures her to thought of foreign
dominions. The legions which she sends forth are armed, not with
the sword, but with the cross. The higher state to which she
seeks the allegiance of all mankind is not of human, but of
divine origin. She cherishes no purpose save to merit the favor
of Almighty God."
See Calvin Coolidge,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1929 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Herbert
Hoover's Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1929)
"This occasion is not alone the administration of the most
sacred oath which can be assumed by an American citizen. It is a
dedication and consecration under God to the highest office in
service of our people. I assume this trust in the humility of
knowledge that only through the guidance of Almighty Providence
can I hope to discharge its ever-increasing burdens. ..."
See Herbert
Hoover, Presidential
Elections and Party Platforms |
|
1933 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Franklin D. Roosevelt's
first Inaugural Address
(MARCH 4, 1933)
"... In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing
of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me
in the days to come."
See Franklin D. Roosevelt,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1937 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Franklin D. Roosevelt's second
Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1937)
"... While this duty rests upon me I shall do my utmost
to speak their purpose and to do their will, seeking Divine
guidance to help us each and every one to give light to them
that sit in darkness and to guide our feet into the way of
peace."
See Franklin D. Roosevelt,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1941 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Franklin D. Roosevelt's
third Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1941)
"... For this we muster the spirit of America, and the
faith of America.
We do not retreat. We are not content to stand still. As
Americans, we go forward, in the service of our country, by the
will of God."
See Franklin D. Roosevelt,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1945 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Franklin D. Roosevelt's fourth Inaugural Address (January 20, 1945)
"... The Almighty God has blessed our land in many ways.
He has given our people stout hearts and strong arms with which
to strike mighty blows for freedom and truth. He has given to
our country a faith which has become the hope of all peoples in
an anguished world.
So we pray to Him now for the vision to see our way
clearly--to see the way that leads to a better life for
ourselves and for all our fellow men--to the achievement of His
will to peace on earth."
See Franklin D. Roosevelt,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1949 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Harry S. Truman's Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1949)
"... Steadfast in our faith in the Almighty, we will
advance toward a world where man's freedom is secure.
To that end we will devote our strength, our resources, and our
firmness of resolve. With God's help, the future of mankind will
be assured in a world of justice, harmony, and peace."
See Harry S. Truman,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1953 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Dwight D. Eisenhower's
first Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1953)
"... My friends, before I begin the expression of those
thoughts that I deem appropriate to this moment, would you
permit me the privilege of uttering a little private prayer of
my own. And I ask that you bow your heads: Almighty God, as we
stand here at this moment my future associates in the executive
branch of government join me in beseeching that Thou will make
full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in
this throng, and their fellow citizens everywhere.
Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong,
..."
See Dwight D. Eisenhower,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1957 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Dwight D. Eisenhower's
second Inaugural Address
(January 21, 1957)
"... I, too, am a witness, today testifying in your name
to the principles and purposes to which we, as a people, are
pledged.
Before all else, we seek, upon our common labor as a
nation, the blessings of Almighty God. And the hopes in our
hearts fashion the deepest prayers of our whole people.
..."
See Dwight D. Eisenhower,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1961 |
Inaugural
Speech |
John F.
Kennedy's Inaugural Address (January 20, 1961)
"... And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can
do for you--ask what you can do for your country. ..." "... With
a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final
judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love,
asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth
God's work must truly be our own."
See John F. Kennedy,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1963 |
Oath |
Lyndon B. Johnson was not
inaugurated when he took the oath of office to complete the term
after the assassination of
John F. Kennedy. |
|
1965 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Lyndon B. Johnson's Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1965)
"My fellow countrymen, on this occasion, the oath I have taken
before you and before God is not mine alone, but ours together.
We are one nation and one people. Our fate as a nation and our
future as a people rest not upon one citizen, but upon all
citizens. ..."
See Lyndon B. Johnson,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1969 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Richard
M. Nixon's first Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1969)
"... Our destiny offers, not the cup of despair, but the chalice
of opportunity. So let us seize it, not in fear, but in
gladness-- and, 'riders on the earth together,' let us go
forward, firm in our faith, steadfast in our purpose, cautious
of the dangers; but sustained by our confidence in the will of
God and the promise of man."
See Richard M. Nixon,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1973 |
Inaugural Speech |
Richard M. Nixon's second Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1973)
"... Let us go forward from here confident in hope, strong in
our faith in one another, sustained by our faith in God who
created us, and striving always to serve His purpose"
See Richard M. Nixon,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
|
Oath |
Gerald R. Ford was not
inaugurated but did take the oath of office. |
|
1977 |
Inaugural
Speech |
Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1977)
"... Here before me is the Bible used in the inauguration of our
first President, in 1789, and I have just taken the oath of
office on the Bible my mother gave me a few years ago, opened to
a timeless admonition from the ancient prophet Micah: 'He hath
showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require
of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly
with thy God.' (Micah 6: 8) ..."
See Jimmy Carter,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1981 |
Inaugural Speech |
Ronald Reagan's
first Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1981)
"... The crisis we are facing today does not require of us the
kind of sacrifice that Martin Treptow and so many thousands of
others were called upon to make. It does require, however, our
best effort, and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to
believe in our capacity to perform great deeds; to believe that
together, with God's help, we can and will resolve the problems
which now confront us. ..."
See Ronald Reagan,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1985 |
Inaugural Speech |
Ronald Reagan's
second Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1985)
"... that is our song. We sing it still. For all our
problems, our differences, we are together as of old, as we
raise our voices to the God who is the Author of this most
tender music. And may He continue to hold us close as we fill
the world with our sound--sound in unity, affection, and
love--one people under God, dedicated to the dream of freedom
that He has placed in the human heart, called upon now to pass
that dream on to a waiting and hopeful world. ..."
See Ronald Reagan,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1989 |
Inaugural Speech |
George H. W. Bush's
Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1989)
"... And so, there is much to do; and tomorrow the work begins.
I do not mistrust the future; I do not fear what is ahead. For
our problems are large, but our heart is larger. Our challenges
are great, but our will is greater. And if our flaws are
endless, God's love is truly boundless. ..."
See George H. W. Bush,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1993 |
Inaugural Speech |
Bill Clinton's
first Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1993)
"... The scripture says, 'And let us not be weary in
well-doing, for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.'
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. ..."
See Bill Clinton,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
1997 |
Inaugural Speech |
Bill Clinton's
second Inaugural Address
(January 20, 1997)
"... From the height of this place and the summit of this
century, let us go forth. May God strengthen our hands for the
good work ahead, and always, always bless our America."
See Bill Clinton,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
21st Century
- 2000s |
|
2001 |
Inaugural Speech |
George W. Bush's
first Inaugural Address
(January 20, 2001)
"... 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. ..."
See George W. Bush,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
2001 |
Terror |
The International Trade
Center in New York, NY and the Pentagon were attacked by
terrorists flying commercial airliners into the buildings. |
|
2005 |
Inaugural Speech |
George W. Bush's
second Inaugural Address
(January 20, 2005)
"... America, in this young century, proclaims liberty
throughout all the world, and to all the inhabitants thereof.
Renewed in our strength - tested, but not weary - we are ready
for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom.
May God bless you, and may He watch over the United States of
America."
See George W. Bush,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
2009 |
Inaugural Speech |
Barack Hussein Obama (January 20, 2009)
"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."
See Barack Hussein Obama,
Presidential Elections and
Party Platforms |
|
|
Index -
George Washington
- John Adams -
Thomas
Jefferson - James Madison -
James Monroe -
John Q
Adams
Andrew Jackson -
Martin Van Buren -
William
Henry Harrison - John Tyler -
James Knox Polk -
Zachary Taylor
Millard Fillmore -
Franklin Pierce
- James Buchanan -
Abraham
Lincoln - Andrew Johnson -
Ulysses S. Grant
Rutherford B. Hayes
- James A. Garfield -
Chester
Arthur - Grover Cleveland -
Benjamin Harrison -
Grover
Cleveland
William McKinley -
Theodore Roosevelt -
William Howard Taft
- Woodrow Wilson -
William Harding
- Calvin Coolidge
Herbert
Hoover - Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Harry S. Truman -
Dwight D. Eisenhower
- John F. Kennedy -
Lyndon B. Johnson
Richard M. Nixon -
Gerald R. Ford -
Jimmy Carter -
Ronald Reagan -
George H. W. Bush
- Bill Clinton -
George W. Bush
Barack H. Obama
18th Century -
19th Century -
20th Century -
21st Century |
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All rights reserved. © Copyright 2005,
2009 Roger W Hancock
The greatest ability in business is to get along with
others and to influence their actions. - John Hancock, Signer of the
Declaration of Independence.
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