The Comparison between Obama and Kennedy's Inaugural Speech
The president Obama is always compared with Kenedy, who ranks 35th in the list of American presidents. They indeed have something in common in different aspects, for example, their inaugurals. This article will focus on the languages and contents of inaugurals of president Obama and Kennedy.
Firstly, I will compare the rhetorical features of the languages of these two inaugurals. As we all know, a proper use of rhetoric will make an inaugurals more powerful and convinced, while a powerful and convinced inaugurals will inspire citizens and make it easier for government to get the support. So for all the presidents, rhetorical is very necessary.
When comparing the inaugurals of Obama and Kennedy, we can find that both of them have used same rhetorical. I will explain them one by one as follows: Parallelism: parallelism is about consistency, and having all the parts in the same form. In a sentence, compound verbs or other words should be in the same form. In the inaugural of Obama, parallelism has been used for more than 40 times. For example: The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit, to choose our better history, to carry forward that precious gift.( para 9) The same thing happens in the inaugural of Kennedy. There are four phrases with the same structure" let both sides..." in Kennedy's speech.
Antithesis: Antithesis is the use of juxtaposition with two opposite characters or ideas in literature, it is used to place these opposing forces parallel to one another and to see the traits in each one. In Obama's speech, for example, " where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, program will end." In Kennedy's speech, "if a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich", "the rich" and "the poor" are also a pair of antithesis.
Metaphor: It refers to a comparison between unlike things without the use of "like" or "as". In the speech of Obama, we can find many metaphor, for example, "Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or setting for less." we can also find a lot of metaphor in the speech of Kennedy. by using metaphor, author can show us a vivid image, and the article will become more attractive. Secondly, I will compare the religious features from the view of languages of the two inaugurals. As we all know that religion is an indispensable part of western culture. So all the presidents like to delivery their speeches in the name of Gods. in Obama's speech, he said that "the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness", and in the speech of Kennedy, religious also play an important
part. "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."
The last part, I will briefly compare the two speeches in content aspect. I think both of the speech convey a same spirit. They both stress a fact that American is a united country, and every citizen should contribute their efforts to their motherland. " Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." this is the most important sentence in Kennedy's inaugural. We can find same spirit in Obama's speech. "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task." so in the content aspect, we can say that Obama inherit the spirit of Kenedy.
From the language and content of the inaugurals of Obama and Kenedy, we can find many common places, and we can say that they are both great speakers.
英文版 MR. OBAMA: Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of H appiness.” Today we continue a never-ending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they have never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth. The patriots of 1776 did not fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few or the rule of a mob. They gave to us a Republic, a government of,
奥巴马就职演讲稿原文 [ 2008-11-05 14:37 ] If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference. It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America. It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and
My fellow citizens: 各位同胞： 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. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. 今天我站在这里，为眼前的重责大任感到谦卑，对各位的信任心怀感激，对先贤的牺牲铭记在心。我要谢谢布什总统为这个国家的服务，也感谢他在政权转移期间的宽厚和配合。 Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. 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 forbearers, and true to our founding documents. 四十四位美国人发表过总统就职誓言，这些誓词或是在繁荣富强及和平宁静之际发表，或是在乌云密布，时局动荡之时。在艰困的时候，美国能箕裘相继，不仅因为居高位者有能力或愿景，也因为人民持续对先人的抱负有信心，也忠于创建我国的法统。 So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. 因此，美国才能承继下来。因此，这一代美国人必须承继下去。 That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. 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. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. 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. 现在大家都知道我们正置身危机核心，我国正处于对抗深远暴力和憎恨的战争。我们的经济元气大伤，是某些人贪婪且不负责任的后果，也是大众未能做出艰难的选择，为国家进入新时代做淮备所致。许多人失去房子，丢了工作，生意垮了。我们的医疗照护太昂贵，学校教育辜负了许多人。每天都有更多证据显示，我们利用能源的方式壮大我们的对敌，威胁我们的星球。 These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. 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. 这些都是得自资料和统计数据的危机指标。比较无法测量但同样深沉的，是举国信心尽失—持续担心美国将无可避免地衰退，也害怕下一代一定会眼界变低。 Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met. 今天我要告诉各位，我们面临的挑战是真的，挑战非常严重，且不在少数。它们不是可以轻易，或在短时间内解决。但是，美国要了解，这些挑战会被解决。 On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
2017年奥巴马就职演讲稿英文原稿(附中文翻译) 篇一：奥巴马就职演讲稿中英文对照 奥巴马就职演讲稿中英文对照 (CNN) -- Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States and the nation's first African-American president Tuesday. This is a transcript of his prepared speech. In his speech Tuesday, President Obama said America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. 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. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. 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 forebearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. 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. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. 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. These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. 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. Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. 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. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside
2012年奥巴马就职演讲稿(中文版)https://www.doczj.com/doc/9d7189847.html, 撰稿：Figure Zhang（From S.C.V.C.W.C）www.mi https://www.doczj.com/doc/9d7189847.html, 时间：August 21th.2012 w https://www.doczj.com/doc/9d7189847.html, 翻译：摩登高材w ww.59k https://www.doczj.com/doc/9d7189847.html, 让我们迎接一个更美好的明天w https://www.doczj.com/doc/9d7189847.html, 尊敬的联邦大法官约翰·罗伯茨先生、我的同胞们：插画手绘 今天我们在这里隆重集会，庆祝一个重要的日子——经全美人民推选出来的总统的就职典礼！我很开心，因为美国人民再次选举了我来领导世界上一流的超级大国——美利坚合众国！这种荣誉和自豪是难以用语言形容的，也许只有你自己身处美国总统的位置才能体会我此时的心情！感谢伟大美国人民对我的信任与支持，感谢大家前来参加我的就职仪式，感谢我的太太米歇尔女士和女儿萨莎、玛利亚对我的爱和鼓励！文艺青年 四年前，同样是在这里，我第一次当选总统后在这里宣誓就职。那时，正是全球经济危机最为困难的时期。为了改善美国经济糟糕的状况，上任后，我与我的团队共同努力、扎实工作、在国内推行了一系列的经济改革法案和社会福利政策，竭力要提高民众的就业率和社会福利待遇。我们做了，虽然说成绩不够显著，但下届政府仍将沿着之前尚未完成的任务，一步一个脚印面对险阻继续前进。用富有标榜的成绩使大家看到一个拥有美好明天的美国！微电影排行榜 手工制作 上届政府工作的成效，我想大家都有目共睹的。尤其是在国际安全问题上，我们成功击毙了基地头号大亨本拉登，为我们在9-11恐怖袭击中遇难的兄弟姐妹们报了仇、血了恨！同时也极大的鼓舞了美国人民反恐的决心和信心，为我们创造了一个和平安宁的国际环境的目标又走近了成功的一步！此外，我们还结束了长达8年的伊拉克战争，顺利地撤军伊拉克，让他们自己来管理国家事务，把民主自由、和平安宁交给了他们。而军人的凯旋回归证明了我们国家的战斗力无坚不摧、军人素质和军事力量是一支强劲的王者之师。这还让我们的军人及其家人更加安心，因为他们可以团聚了，亲人们再以不用忐忑不安地惦记他们，军人则也免除了受战争带来牺牲的风险，这一切无论对我国还是伊拉克来说都是一件喜事、好事！百度影音 本届政府将在原来政策和方针下，进一步完善和改进未完成的任务。用灵活新颖工作模式，努力处理好国内事务和国际事件。经济、就业、安全、社会福利是国内事务必须做好的四个点，因为这些因素是制约美国发展进步的关键，只有把这些做好了，才能为大家交上一份满意的答卷，才能做到我作为一名总统的职责。在国际问题上，我们会继续加强巩固与原盟国关系，并协调好和一些国家、地区间的关系。在东欧导弹部署问题上，我们将会以美国及其盟国利益为第一的基础上和某些国家和平谈判。但是，要知道作为世界和平卫士的美国推行的全球
奥巴马获胜演讲全文 President-elect Barack Obama smiles as he gives his acceptance speech at Grant Park in Chicago Tuesday night, Nov. 4, 2008. 以下是奥巴马(Barack Obama)竞选总统成功后在芝加哥演讲准备的讲稿: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference. It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America. It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America. I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead. I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of
视频参考 https://www.doczj.com/doc/9d7189847.html,/p/news/w/v/2013-01-22/052261982905.html Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable r ights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Today we continue a never-ending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they have never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth. The patriots of 1776 did not fight to replace the tyranny of a king with the privileges of a few or the rule of a mob. They gave to us a Republic, a government of, and by, and for the people, entrusting each generation to keep safe our founding creed. For more than two hundred years, we have. Through blood drawn by lash and blood drawn by sword, we learned that no union founded on the principles of liberty and equality could survive half-slave and half-free. We made ourselves anew, and vowed to move forward together. Together, we determined that a modern economy requires railroads and highways to speed travel and commerce; schools and colleges to train our workers。 Together, we discovered that a free market only thrives when there are rules to ensure competition and fair play. Together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortune. Through it all, we have never relinquished our skepticism of central authority, nor have we succumbed to the fiction that all society’s ills can be cured through government alone. Our celebration of initiative and enterprise; our insistence on hard work and personal responsibility, these are constants in our character.
January 20,2009 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. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. 同胞们： 我今天站在这里，因为面前的任务而感到谦卑，因为你们的信任而心存感激，同时铭记先辈们做所出的巨大牺牲。感谢布什总统为这个国家做出的贡献，同时也谢谢他在整个政权交接期间表现出的慷慨与合作。 Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. 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 forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. 迄今已经有44名美国人宣誓就任总统。这些誓词曾出现在繁荣的上升趋势和如水般平静的和平中，当然，也经常会出现在乌云密布和狂风暴雨之时。在这各种时刻，美国一直在继续前行，这不仅仅是因为执政的技巧或者有先见之明，而是因为我们的人民一直在坚守先辈们的理想，忠实履行我们的建国宣言。过去是这样，这一代的美国人仍将会坚持这样做。 That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. 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. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. 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. 众所周知，我们目前正处在危机之中。我们的国家正在对暴力和仇恨宣战。我们的经济也被严重削弱，这是一些人贪婪和不负责任的后果，但在做出艰难选择和准备迎接新时代方面，我们出现了集体性的失误。房屋失去了；工作丢掉了；商业萧条了；我们的卫生保健耗资巨大；我们太多的学校不合格；每天都能找到更多的证据表明我们利用能源的方式使得对手更加强大，并且威胁到了我们整个星球。
13奥巴马就职演讲稿 篇一：20XX年奥巴马就职演讲稿(英文版本) we,thepeople,stillbelievethateverycitizendeservesabasicmeasureofsecurity anddignity.wemustmakethehardchoicestoreducethecostofhealthcareandthe sizeofourdeficit.Butwerejectthebeliefthatamericamustchoosebetweencarin gforthegenerationthatbuiltthiscountryandinvestinginthegenerationthatwill builditsfuture.Forwerememberthelessonsofourpast,whentwilightyearswer espentinpoverty,andparentsofachildwithadisabilityhadnowheretoturn.wed onotbelievethatinthiscountry,freedomisreservedforthelucky,orhappinessfo rthefew.werecognizethatnomatterhowresponsiblyweliveourlives,anyoneof us,atanytime,mayfaceajobloss,orasuddenillness,orahomesweptawayinater riblestorm.Thecommitmentswemaketoeachother–throughmedicare,andme dicaid,andSocialSecurity–thesethingsdonotsapourinitiative;theystrengthen us.Theydonotmakeusanationoftakers;theyfreeustotaketherisksthatmakethi scountrygreat. we,thepeople,stillbelievethatourobligationsasamericansarenotjusttooursel ves,buttoallposterity.wewillrespondtothethreatofclimatechange,knowingth atthefailuretodosowouldbetrayourchildrenandfuturegenerations.Somemay stilldenytheoverwhelmingjudgmentofscience,butnonecanavoidthedevastat ingimpactofragingfires,andcripplingdrought,andmorepowerfulstorms.The
美国东部时间1月20日中午12时左右，美国第44任总统贝拉克-奥巴马发表就职演说，全文如下：各位同胞： 今天我站在这里，为眼前的重责大任感到谦卑，对各位的信任心怀感激，对先贤的牺牲铭记在心。我要谢谢布什总统为这个国家的服务，也感谢他在政权转移期间的宽厚和配合。 四十四位美国人发表过总统就职誓言，这些誓词或是在繁荣富强及和平宁静之际发表，或是在乌云密布，时局动荡之时。在艰困的时候，美国能箕裘相继，不仅因为居高位者有能力或愿景，也因为人民持续对先人的抱负有信心，也忠於创建我国的法统。 因此，美国才能承继下来。因此，这一代美国人也必须承继下去。 现在大家都知道我们正置身危机核心，我国正在与四处蔓延的暴力和憎恨作战。我们的经济元气大伤——这既是某些人贪婪且不负责任的後果，也是大众未能做出艰难的选择，对国家进入新时代做准备不足所致。许多人失去房子，丢了工作，生意萧条。我们的医疗太昂贵，学校教育让人失望。每天都有更多证据显示，我们利用能源的方式壮大我们的对敌，威胁我们的星球。 这些都是得自资料和统计数据的危机指标。比较无法测量但同样深沉的，是举国信心尽失——持续担心美国将无可避免地衰退，也害怕下一代一定会眼界变低。 今天我要告诉各位，我们面临的挑战是真的，挑战非常严重，且不在少数。它们不是可以轻易，或在短时间内解决。但是，美国要了解，这些挑战会被解决。 在这一天，我们聚在一起，因为我们选择希望而非恐惧，有意义的团结而非纷争和不合。
在这一天，我们来此宣示，那些无用的抱怨和虚伪的承诺已终结，那些扭曲我们政治已久的相互指控和陈旧教条已终结。 我们仍是个年轻的国家，但借用圣经的话，摆脱幼稚事物的时刻到来了，重申我们坚忍精神的时刻到来了，选择我们更好的历史，实践那种代代传承的珍贵权利，那种高贵的理念：就是上帝的应许，我们每个人都是平等的，每个人都是自由的，每个人都应该有机会追求全然的幸福。 再次肯定我们国家的伟大，我们了解伟大绝非赐予而来，必须努力达成。我们的旅程从来就不是抄捷径或很容易就满足。这条路一直都不是给不勇敢的人走的，那些偏好逸乐胜过工作，或者只想追求名利就满足的人。恰恰相反，走这条路的始终是勇於冒险的人，做事的人，成事的人，其中有些人很出名，但更常见的是在各自岗位上的男男女女无名英雄，在这条漫长崎岖的道路上支撑我们，迈向繁荣与自由。 为了我们，他们携带很少的家当，远渡重洋，追寻新生活。 为了我们，他们胼手胝足，在西部安顿下来；忍受风吹雨打，筚路蓝缕。 为了我们，他们奋斗不懈，在康科特和盖茨堡，诺曼地和溪山等地葬身。 前人不断的奋斗与牺牲，直到双手皮开肉绽，我们才能享有比较好的生活。他们将美国视为大於所有个人企图心总和的整体，超越出身、财富或小圈圈的差异。 这是我们今天继续前进的旅程。我们仍旧是全球最繁荣强盛的国家。这场危机爆发时，我们的劳工生产力并未减弱。我们的心智一样创新，我们的产品和劳务和上周或上个月或去年相比，一样是必需品。我们的能力并未减损。但是我们墨守成规、维护狭小利益、推迟引人不悦的决定，这段时期肯定已经过去。从今天起，我们必须重新出发、再次展开再造美国的工程。
奥巴马就职演说英文版（极好的口语材料，去背吧） 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. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. 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 forbearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. 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. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. 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. These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. 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. Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. 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. We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. 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. In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. 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. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh. Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual