第一篇：奧巴馬就職演說全文

奧巴馬就職演說全文

我的國民：

今天我站在這里，為我們將面對的任重道遠而慨嘆。感謝你們對我寄托的信任，同時緬懷我們的前人所做出的犧牲。感謝布什總統為美國做出的貢獻，以及他在總統任期交疊過程中的慷慨合作。

至此，共有四十四位美國人曾進行過總統宣誓。這一誓言曾在國家和平、欣欣向榮時做出過。然而這一誓詞更曾在烏云籠罩和風暴襲來之時被宣讀。美國人民之所以能夠走過那些艱難的時刻，不僅僅是因為領袖的能力或遠見；更是因為我們，我們人民，保持著對先人理想的忠誠，對我們國家創始文件的追隨。

對于我們這一代美國人來說，也是這樣，也必須這樣。

國家正面臨危機，這一點大家已經沒有疑問。美國處在戰爭之中，面對一個有巨大影響力、充滿暴力和仇恨的網絡。我們的經濟嚴重衰退。這來源于部分人的貪婪和不負責任，更由于作為一個整體，我們未能做出面對一個新時代的艱難決策。人民失去房屋、工作機會減少、商業活動遭到破壞。醫療保障過于昂貴，學校教育系統出現太多失敗。而我們對能源的使用，日益讓對手強大，與此同時又威脅著我們的星球。

這些，是從數據和統計中可以看到的危機信號。還有難以度量但同樣深遠的問題，那就是整個國家信心的缺失。那縈繞在我們頭上的恐懼，認為美國的衰敗不可避免，認為我們的下一代人不可能再有太高的期望。

今天我要對你們說，我們面臨的挑戰是真切的、嚴重的，而且有很多重。解決他們不可能很輕松，也不可能在短時間內發生。但美國人民，請記住這一點：這些挑戰會被解決。

今天，我們聚集在一起，因為我們選擇了希望而不是恐懼；我們選擇了為共同的目標團結在一起，而不是沖突與爭執。

今天，我們共同終結那些虛假的承諾、陳腐的教條、以及指摘與怨言。這些已經困擾了我們的政治體系太長時間。

我們的國家仍舊年輕，但借用圣經中的話，該是拋開那些孩子氣的時候了。現在，需要重新拿出我們的堅韌精神，選擇自己的歷史。我們要延續代代相傳的寶貴禮物，延續神圣的理想，那就是上帝賜予我們的承諾－－人人平等，人人自由，人人都有機會去追求最大程度的幸福。

在重溫我們國家偉大的同時，我們必須明白，偉大不是憑空而來的，而是贏得的。在我們的歷程中，從來沒有走捷徑或是退而求其次。這一歷程不是為懦弱者準備的，不是為那些享樂高于工作、只知追求名利的人準備的。相反，是那些甘于承擔風險的人，實干家，創造者－－有些眾人皆知，而更多的在辛勤工作中默默無聞－－是他們帶著我們穿越漫長、崎嶇的道路走向繁榮與自由。

為了我們，他們把僅有的財物裝進行囊，漂洋過海追求新的生活。

為了我們，他們開拓西部，在條件惡劣的工廠中流血流汗；他們忍受鞭笞，開墾貧瘠的土地。

為了我們，他們戰斗和犧牲在協和鎮（Concord）、葛底斯堡（Gettysburg）、諾曼底和科薩恩（KheSahn）。

一次又一次，這些男男女女，他們奮斗和犧牲；他們將雙手磨破為了給我們帶來更好的生活。在他們眼中，美國超越了我們每個人雄心的總和，超越了個人、財富和派系的差別。

今天，我們仍在這樣的歷程上。我們仍舊是地球上最繁榮、最強大的國家。美國工人們的效率并不比危機開始之前低。我們的頭腦具有同樣的創造力。我們的產品與服務和上周、上月、或者去年一樣有需求。我們的能力從未被削弱。但墨守陳規、維護狹隘的利益、面對艱難的決策畏首畏尾的日子將一去不復返了。從今天開始，我們必須重新找回我們自己，撣去身上的塵土，開始重塑美國的重任。

環顧四周，有無數工作等著我們。經濟狀況期待著我們大膽和快速的行動。我們會付諸行動－－不僅僅是創造就業機會，同時還要為未來的增長打下新的基礎。我們將建設公路、橋梁和電網，以及將我們緊密聯系起來、提供商業信息的數字高速公路。我們會重新樹立科學應有的地位，并利用技術手段提高醫療保障的質量，同時降低其費用。我們將利用太陽、風與土壤，來驅動我們的汽車和工廠。我們將改革我們的學校和大學，以滿足新時代的需要。這些都有可能實現，更會去實現。

現在，有人還在懷疑我們的信心──他們認為我們的國家無法承擔這樣的重大計劃。他們太健忘了，他們忘記了這個國家曾經取得的成就，他們忘記了當擁有了理想、共同的目標和必要的勇氣，這些自由的人民曾經取得的輝煌成就。

這些憤世嫉俗的人無法理解這個國家所發生的轉變──那些陳腐的政治已經纏繞了我們太久太長。我們現在面臨的問題不是政府太大還是太小，而是政府所扮演的角色──應該幫助家庭獲得體面的收入，購買他們的所需，有尊嚴地退休。當這些答案都是肯定的時，我們才能繼續前進。如果答案是否定的，一切都將不復存在。我們這些管理公共財產的人應該負起責任──把錢花在刀刃上、改掉惡習、光明正大地行事──因為只有這樣我們才能重塑人民和政府之間的信任。

市場力量的好壞不是我們的問題。市場在創造財富和推進自由進程方面是無可代替的，但是這場危機也提醒了我們沒有審慎的監管，市場的力量將如野馬一樣脫韁──一個僅有財富的國家不可能持續繁榮。我們在經濟上所取得的成功不僅體現在我們的經濟總量上，也體現在我們的繁榮程度上，體現在我們為每個渴望成功的心靈所提供的機會上─這并非出自惻隱之心，而是我們實現共同利益的必經之路。

我們拒絕在安全和理想之間妥協。我們的建國先輩們，面對我們無法想象的兇險，卻依然用幾代人的鮮血維護了神圣的法律和人權。那些理想依然在照亮著這個世界，我們不會因一時的困難而放棄這些理想。我要對那些正在看著我們的國家和人民說，無論你身處繁華的都市還是像養育了我父親那樣的小村莊：對于那些追求和平與尊嚴的男人、女人和孩子，美國將永遠是你們的朋友，我們將繼續和你們一起前進。

回想先前的世代力抗法西斯主義和共產主義，靠的除了飛彈和戰車之外，還有強固的聯盟和持久的信念。他們知道單單力量本身不足以讓我們自保，也不能讓我們為所欲為。相反地，他們知道我們的力量因為謹慎使用而增強，我們的安全源自我們理想的正當性，我們所樹立楷模的力量，以及謙遜和克制所具有的調和特質。

我們是這種傳統的捍衛者。我們繼續追尋這些信念的指引，我們將直面這些挑戰并更加努力─更多的溝通與合作。我們會負責地將伊拉克還給當地的人民，并在阿富汗保衛來之不易的和平。我們將與老朋友和原來的敵人一道，共同消除核威脅，解決全球變暖的根源。我們不會為自己的做法道歉，更不會動搖捍衛和平的決心，對于那些崇尚恐怖、濫殺無辜的人，我們的精神是強大而不可戰勝的。你拖不垮我們，我們將會打敗你。

我們多種族混居是一種優勢。我們是一個由基督徒、穆斯林、猶太教徒、印度教徒和無神論者共同組成的國家。我們吸收了各種文化的精髓，從世界的每個角落學習。因為我們經歷過內戰和種族隔離的痛苦洗禮，并在黑暗中更加堅強和團結，我們無法保證，但是我們相信憎恨終將消弭，分隔終將散去。隨著世界越來越緊密地聯系在一起，我們共同的人性將顯露出來，美國必須承擔引領新時代和平的重任。

對于穆斯林世界，我們將基于共同的利益和信仰，尋找更好的合作之路。對于那些在世界各個地方挑起沖突或一味批評西方不良影響的領導者：你的人民評判你的依據是你建立了什么，而不是破壞了什么。對于那些依靠腐敗和欺騙并壓制異議而追求權利的人們：你們站在了人類歷史的對立面。如果你們能張開緊握的拳頭，我們也將伸出友誼之手。

對于那些貧窮的人們，我們保證和你們一起建設繁茂的農場和干凈的水源，滋養那些饑寒交迫的身體和心靈。對于那些與我們一樣相對富裕的國家，我們不能再對外界的苦難漠不關心，更不能繼續大肆索取世界的資源。世界必須改變，我們都必須改變。

當我們審視前方的道路時，我們會感激那些跨越千山萬水來到這里的人們。今天，他們有話對我們說，也是安息在阿林頓國家公墓里的先烈們時刻提醒我們的。我們尊敬他們不僅因為是他們捍衛了我們的自由，更因為他們正是奉獻精神的化身；他們致力于尋找遠高于自身的生命真諦。而此時，在這個特殊的時代，我們更需讓這種精神長存。

因為歸根結底，政府所能做的，也是必須做到的，是體現每個美國人的信念和決心，這也是這個國家賴以生存的精神力量。這種力量是洪災泛濫時，陌生人之間的溫暖善舉；是經濟困難時期，人們自損利益保全朋友工作的無私忘我。這是消防員們毅然沖入濃煙火海的勇氣，也是父母培養孩子的無私之心，這些都決定了我們的命運。

或許，我們今日遇到挑戰前所未有，所有的情況完全陌生。但是，我們賴以走向成功的價值觀從未改變——誠實、勤勉、勇敢、公正、寬容、好學、忠貞和愛國。我們的歷史亦由這些真理推進，亙古不變。如今，我們面對的是一個全新的責任時代——人人都需重視，對我們自己，我們的國家乃至整個世界，都有一份責任。我們會欣然接受這份責任，人生也正因此而充實。

這是公民的價值和承諾。

這是我們信心的源泉——上帝賜予我們知識以應對無常的命運。

這是我們所崇尚的自由與信念的真諦——這就是為什么今天，不同膚色，不同信仰的男女老少在此匯聚一堂；這就是為什么六十年前，一位父親走入餐廳甚至無人理睬，而今天他的兒子可以站在這里，在你們面前許下最莊嚴的誓言。

所以讓我們記住這一天，記住自己，記住為此的付出。在我們的國家誕生之初，先輩們在最寒冷的日子里，圍聚在結冰的河邊靠微弱的篝火取暖。離鄉背井，后有敵軍，鮮血染紅了白雪。就在革命的道路如此模糊，意志也開始躊躇之時，我們的國父有這樣幾句話：

“告訴未來的世界……當一切陷入寒冬，萬物俱滅，只有希望和勇氣可以長存……這座城市和這個國家，在共同的危機下團結起來，共同面對前方的艱難。”

美國，面對我們共同的危機，在這艱難的寒冬，讓我們牢記那些永恒的字句。懷著希望和美德，讓我們再一次勇敢地面對冰冷的現實，迎接任何可能的風浪。讓我們的子孫傳唱，當我們面對挑戰時，我們沒有怯懦、沒有退縮，更沒有踟躕不前。我們在上帝的關愛下眺望遠方，我們在自由的道路上繼續前進，我們的精神將永遠閃耀著光芒。

第二篇：奧巴馬就職演說

Good afternoon.It is a great honor for me to be here in Shanghai, and to have this opportunity to speak with all of you.I'd like to thank Fudan University's President Yang for his hospitality(好客)and his gracious（有禮貌的，親切的）welcome.I'd also like to thank our outstanding Ambassador（大使）, Jon Huntsman, who exemplifies the deep ties and respect between our nations.I don't know what he said, but I hope it was good.(Laughter.)

What I'd like to do is to make some opening comments, and then what I'm really looking forward to doing is taking questions, not only from students who are in the audience, but also we've received questions online, which will be asked by some of the students who are here in the audience, as well as by Ambassador Huntsman.And I am very sorry that my Chinese is not as good as your English, but I am looking forward to this chance to have a dialogue.This is my first time traveling to China, and I'm excited to see this majestic（雄偉壯麗的，威嚴的）country.Here, in Shanghai, we see the growth that has caught the attention of the world--the soaring skyscrapers, the bustling（熙攘的）streets and entrepreneurial（企業家的，創業者的）activity.And just as I'm impressed by these signs of China's journey to the 21st century, I'm eager to see those ancient places that speak to us from China's distant past.Tomorrow and the next day I hope to have a chance when I'm in Beijing to see the majesty of the Forbidden City and the wonder of the Great Wall.Truly, this is a nation that encompasses both a rich history and a belief in the promise of the future.The same can be said of the relationship between our two countries.Shanghai, of course, is a city that has great meaning in the history of the relationship between the United States and China.It was here, 37 years ago, that the Shanghai Communique opened the door to a new chapter of engagement between our governments and among our people.However, America's ties to this city--and to this country--stretch back further, to the earliest days of America's independence.In 1784, our founding father, George Washington, commissioned the Empress of China, a ship that set sail for these shores so that it could pursue trade with the Qing Dynasty.Washington wanted to see the ship carry the flag around the globe, and to forge new ties with nations like China.This is a common American impulse--the desire to reach for new horizons, and to forge new partnerships that are mutually beneficial.Over the two centuries that have followed, the currents of history have steered the relationship between our countries in many directions.And even in the midst of tumultuous winds, our people had opportunities to forge deep and even dramatic ties.For instance, Americans will never forget the hospitality shown to our pilots who were shot down over your soil during World War II, and cared for by Chinese civilians who risked all that they had by doing so.And Chinese veterans of that war still warmly greet those American veterans who return to the sites where they fought to help liberate China from occupation.A different kind of connection was made nearly 40 years ago when the frost between our countries began to thaw through the simple game of table tennis.The very unlikely nature of this engagement contributed to its success--because for all our differences, both our common humanity and our shared curiosity were revealed.As one American player described his visit to China--“[The]people are just like us…The country is very similar to America, but still very different.”

Of course this small opening was followed by the achievement of the Shanghai Communique, and the eventual establishment of formal relations between the United States and China in 1979.And in three decades, just look at how far we have come.In 1979, trade between the United States and China stood at roughly $5 billion--today it tops over $400 billion each year.The commerce affects our people's lives in so many ways.America imports from China many of the computer parts we use, the clothes we wear;and we export to China machinery that helps power your industry.This trade could create even more jobs on both sides of the Pacific, while allowing our people to enjoy a better quality of life.And as demand becomes more balanced, it can lead to even broader prosperity.In 1979, the political cooperation between the United States and China was rooted largely in our shared rivalry with the Soviet Union.Today, we have a positive, constructive and comprehensive relationship that opens the door to partnership on the key global issues of our time--economic recovery and the development of clean energy;stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and the scourge of climate change;the promotion of peace and security in Asia and around the globe.All of these issues will be on the agenda tomorrow when I meet with President Hu.And in 1979, the connections among our people were limited.Today, we see the curiosity of those ping-pong players manifested in the ties that are being forged across many sectors.The second highest number of foreign students in the United States come from China, and we've seen a 50 percent increase in the study of Chinese among our own students.There are nearly 200 “friendship cities” drawing our communities together.American and Chinese scientists cooperate on new research and discovery.And of course, Yao Ming is just one signal of our shared love of basketball--I'm only sorry that I won't be able to see a Shanghai Sharks game while I'm visiting.It is no coincidence that the relationship between our countries has accompanied a period of positive change.China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty--an accomplishment unparalleled in human history--while playing a larger role in global events.And the United States has seen our economy grow along with the standard of living enjoyed by our people, while bringing the Cold War to a successful conclusion.There is a Chinese proverb: “Consider the past, and you shall know the future.” Surely, we have known setbacks and challenges over the last 30 years.Our relationship has not been without disagreement and difficulty.But the notion that we must be adversaries is not predestined--not when we consider the past.Indeed, because of our cooperation, both the United States and China are more prosperous and more secure.We have seen what is possible when we build upon our mutual interests, and engage on the basis of mutual respect.And yet the success of that engagement depends upon understanding--on sustaining an open dialogue, and learning about one another and from one another.For just as that American table tennis player pointed out--we share much in common as human beings, but our countries are different in certain ways.I believe that each country must chart its own course.China is an ancient nation, with a deeply rooted culture.The United States, by comparison, is a young nation, whose culture is determined by the many different immigrants who have come to our shores, and by the founding documents that guide our democracy.Those documents put forward a simple vision of human affairs, and they enshrine several core principles--that all men and women are created equal, and possess certain fundamental rights;that government should reflect the will of the people and respond to their wishes;that commerce should be open, information freely accessible;and that laws, and not simply men, should guarantee the administration of justice.Of course, the story of our nation is not without its difficult chapters.In many ways--over many years--we have struggled to advance the promise of these principles to all of our people, and to forge a more perfect union.We fought a very painful civil war, and freed a portion of our population from slavery.It took time for women to be extended the right to vote, workers to win the right to organize, and for immigrants from different corners of the globe to be fully embraced.Even after they were freed, African Americans persevered through conditions that were separate and not equal, before winning full and equal rights.None of this was easy.But we made progress because of our belief in those core principles, which have served as our compass through the darkest of storms.That is why Lincoln could stand up in the midst of civil war and declare it a struggle to see whether any nation, conceived in liberty, and “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” could long endure.That is why Dr.Martin Luther King could stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and ask that our nation live out the true meaning of its creed.That's why immigrants from China to Kenya could find a home on our shores;why opportunity is available to all who would work for it;and why someone like me, who less than 50 years ago would have had trouble voting in some parts of America, is now able to serve as its President.And that is why America will always speak out for these core principles around the world.We do not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation, but we also don't believe that the principles that we stand for are unique to our nation.These freedoms of expression and worship--of access to information and political participation--we believe are universal rights.They should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities--whether they are in the United States, China, or any nation.Indeed, it is that respect for universal rights that guides America's openness to other countries;our respect for different cultures;our commitment to international law;and our faith in the future.These are all things that you should know about America.I also know that we have much to learn about China.Looking around at this magnificent city--and looking around this room--I do believe that our nations hold something important in common, and that is a belief in the future.Neither the United States nor China is content to rest on our achievements.For while China is an ancient nation, you are also clearly looking ahead with confidence, ambition, and a commitment to see that tomorrow's generation can do better than today's.In addition to your growing economy, we admire China's extraordinary commitment to science and research--a commitment borne out in everything from the infrastructure you build to the technology you use.China is now the world's largest Internet user--which is why we were so pleased to include the Internet as a part of today's event.This country now has the world's largest mobile phone network, and it is investing in the new forms of energy that can both sustain growth and combat climate change--and I'm looking forward to deepening the partnership between the United States and China in this critical area tomorrow.But above all, I see China's future in you--young people whose talent and dedication and dreams will do so much to help shape the 21st century.I've said many times that I believe that our world is now fundamentally interconnected.The jobs we do, the prosperity we build, the environment we protect, the security that we seek--all of these things are shared.And given that interconnection, power in the 21st century is no longer a zero-sum game;one country's success need not come at the expense of another.And that is why the United States insists we do not seek to contain China's rise.On the contrary, we welcome China as a strong and prosperous and successful member of the community of nations--a China that draws on the rights, strengths and creativity of individual Chinese like you.To return to the proverb--consider the past.We know that more is to be gained when great powers cooperate than when they collide.That is a lesson that human beings have learned time and again, and that is the example of the history between our nations.And I believe strongly that cooperation must go beyond our government.It must be rooted in our people--in the studies we share, the business that we do, the knowledge that we gain, and even in the sports that we play.And these bridges must be built by young men and women just like you and your counterparts in America.That's why I'm pleased to announce that the United States will dramatically expand the number of our students who study in China to 100,000.And these exchanges mark a clear commitment to build ties among our people, as surely as you will help determine the destiny of the 21st century.And I'm absolutely confident that America has no better ambassadors to offer than our young people.For they, just like you, are filled with talent and energy and optimism about the history that is yet to be written.So let this be the next step in the steady pursuit of cooperation that will serve our nations, and the world.And if there's one thing that we can take from today's dialogue, I hope that it is a commitment to continue this dialogue going forward.So thank you very much.And I look forward now to taking some questions from all of you.Thank you very much.

第三篇：奧巴馬就職演說

巴拉克·奧巴馬(Barack Obama)于2009年1月20日宣誓就職美國第44任總統。以下是奧巴馬總統就職演說的中英文對照全文，中文由美國國務院國際信息局(IIP)根據演說記錄稿翻譯。

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.同胞們：

我今天站在這里，深感面前使命的重大，深謝你們賦予的信任，并銘記我們前輩所付的代價。我感謝布什總統對國家的貢獻以及他在整個過渡階段給予的大度合作。

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 forebears, and true to our founding documents.至此，有四十四個美國人發出總統誓言。這些字詞曾在蒸蒸日上的繁榮時期和寧靜安詳的和平年代誦讀。但是間或，它們也響徹在陰云密布、風暴降臨的時刻。美國能夠歷經這些時刻而勇往直前，不僅因為當政者具有才干或遠見，而且也因為“我們人民”始終堅信我們先輩的理想，對我們的建國理念忠貞不渝。

So it has been.So it must be with this generation of Americans.這是過來之路。這是這一代美國的必由之路。

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.我們處于危機之中，這一點已得到充分認識。我國在進行戰爭，打擊分布廣泛的暴力和仇恨勢力。我們的經濟嚴重衰弱，部分歸咎于一些人的貪婪不軌，同時也因為我們作為一個整體，未能痛下決心，讓國家作好面對新時代的準備。如今，住房不再，就業減少，商業破產。醫療保健費用過度昂貴；學校質量沒有保障；而每一天都在不斷顯示，我們使用能源的方式在助長敵人的威風，威脅我們的星球。

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.這些是危機的跡象，數據統計將予以證明。不易于衡量然而同樣嚴重的是全國各地受動搖的信心——一種揮之不去的恐懼感，認為美國將不可避免地走下坡路，下一代人不得不放低眼光。

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，我告訴大家，我們面臨的挑戰真實存在，并且嚴重而多重。它們不可能在一個短時間內被輕易征服。但是，美國，請記住這句話——它們將被征服。

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.我們今天聚集在這里是因為我們選擇希望而不是恐懼，選擇齊心協力而不是沖突對立。

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.我們今天在這里宣告，讓斤斤計較與虛假承諾就此結束，讓窒息我國政治為時太久的相互指責和陳詞濫調就此完結。

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.我們仍是一個年輕的國家，但用圣經的話說，現在是拋棄幼稚的時侯了。現在應是我們讓永恒的精神發揚光大的時侯，應是選擇創造更佳歷史業績的時侯，應是將代代相傳的寶貴財富、崇高理想向前發展的時侯：上帝賦予所有人平等、所有人自由和所有人充分追求幸福的機會。

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 shortcuts 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.在重申我們國家偉大精神的同時，我們懂得，偉大從非天生，而是必須贏得。我們的歷程從來不是走捷徑或退而求其次的歷程。它不是弱者的道路——它不屬于好逸惡勞或只圖名利享受的人；這條路屬于冒險者，實干家，創造者——有些人享有盛名，但大多數是默默無聞耕耘勞作的男女志士，是他們帶我們走向通往繁榮和自由的漫長崎嶇之路。

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.為了我們，他們打點起貧寒的行裝上路，遠涉重洋，追求新生活。

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West;endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.為了我們，他們在血汗工廠勞作，在西部原野拓荒，忍著鞭笞之痛在堅硬的土地上耕耘。

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg;Normandy and Khe Sanh.為了我們，他們奔赴疆場，英勇捐軀，長眠于康科德、葛底斯堡、諾曼底和溪山。

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 ambitions;greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.為了我們能夠過上更好的生活，他們前赴后繼，歷盡艱辛，全力奉獻，不辭勞苦，直至雙手結起層層老繭。他們看到的美國超越了我們每一個人的雄心壯志，也超越了所有種族、財富或派系的差異。

This is the journey we continue today.We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began.Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year.Our capacity remains undiminished.But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed.Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.今天，作為后來者，我們踏上了這一未竟的旅程。我們依然是地球上最繁榮、最強大的國家。我們的勞動者的創造力并沒有因為眼前的這場危機而減弱。我們的頭腦依然像以往那樣善于發明創新。我們的產品與服務仍舊像上星期、上個月或去年一樣受人歡迎。我們的能力絲毫無損。但是，維持現狀、保護狹隘的利益集團、推遲困難的抉擇的時代無疑已成為過去。從今天起，我們必須振作起來，掃除我們身上的塵土，重新開啟再造美國的事業。

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done.The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost.We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.All this we can do.All this we will do.無論我們把目光投向何處，都有工作在等待著我們。經濟形勢要求我們果敢而迅速地行動，我們將不辱使命——不僅要創造新的就業機會，而且要打下新的增長基礎。我們將建造道路和橋梁，架設電網，鋪設承載我們的商務和把我們緊密相連的電子通訊網絡。我們將恢復尊重科學的傳統，利用高新技術的超常潛力提高醫療保健質量并降低成本。我們將利用太陽能、風力和地熱為車輛和工廠提供能源。我們將改造我們的中小學和高等院校，以應對新時代的挑戰。這一切我們都能做到。這一切我們必將做到。

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans.Their memories are short.For they have forgotten what this country has already done;what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.現在，有人懷疑我們的雄心壯志——他們說我們的體制不能承受太多的宏偉規劃。他們的記憶是短暫的，因為他們忘記了這個國家已經取得的成就，忘記了一旦共同的目標插上理想的翅膀、現實的要求鼓起勇氣的風帆，自由的人民就會爆發出無窮的創造力。

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward.Where the answer is no, programs will end.Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.那些冷眼旁觀的人沒有認識到他們腳下的大地已經移動——那些長期以來空耗我們的精力的陳腐政治觀點已經過時。我們今天提出的問題不是我們的政府太大還是太小，而是它是否行之有效——它是否能夠幫助人們找到報酬合理的就業機會，是否能夠為他們提供費用適度的醫療保健服務，是否能夠確保他們在退休后不失尊嚴。如果回答是肯定的，我們就要向前推進。如果回答是否定的，計劃和項目必須終止。作為公共資金的管理者，我們必須承擔責任——明智地使用資金，拋棄壞習慣，在陽光下履行職責——因為只有這樣我們才能恢復人民對政府的至關重要的信任。

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill.Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it

favors only the prosperous.The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity;on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.我們提出的問題也不在于市場力量是替天行道還是為虎作倀。市場在生成財富和傳播自由方面具有無與倫比的力量，但這場危機提醒我們：沒有嚴格的監督，市場就會失控——如果一個國家僅僅施惠于富裕者，其富裕便不能持久。我們的經濟成功從來不是僅僅依賴國內總產值的規模，而是還依賴繁榮的普及，即為每一位愿意致富的人提供機會的能力——不是通過施舍——因為這才是最可靠的共同富裕之路。

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.Our founding fathers...our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations.Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.至于我們的共同防御，我們決不接受安全與理念不可兩全的荒謬論點。建國先賢面對我們難以想見的險惡局面，起草了一部保障法治和人權的憲章，一部子孫后代以自己的鮮血使之更加完美的憲章。今天，這些理念仍然照耀著世界，我們不會為一時之利而棄之。因此，對于今天正在觀看此情此景的其他各國人民和政府──從最繁華的首都到我父親出生的小村莊──我們希望他們了解：凡追求和平與尊嚴的國家以及每一位男人、婦女和兒童，美國是你們的朋友。我們已經做好準備，再一次走在前面。

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions.They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please.Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use;our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.回顧過去，幾代人在戰勝法西斯主義和共產主義時依靠的不僅僅是導彈和坦克，更是牢固的聯盟和不渝的信念。他們懂得單憑實力無法保護我們的安全，實力也并不賦予我們隨心所欲的權利。相反，他們知道審慎使用實力會使我們更強大；我們的安全源于事業的正義性、典范的感召力、以及謙卑和克制的平衡作用。

We are the keepers of this legacy.Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations.We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken;you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.我們是這一傳統的繼承者。我們只要從新以這些原則為指導，就能應對那些新威脅，為此必須付出更大的努力──推動國家間更多的合作與理解。我們將開始以負責任的方式把伊拉克移交給伊拉克人民，并在阿富汗鞏固來之不易的和平。我們將與多年的朋友和昔日的對手一道不懈地努力，減輕核威脅，扭轉全球變暖的厄運。我們不會在價值觀念上退縮，也不

會動搖捍衛它的決心，對于那些妄圖以煽動恐怖和屠殺無辜的手段達到其目的的人，我們現在就告訴你們，我們的意志更加頑強、堅不可摧；你們無法拖垮我們，我們必將戰勝你們。

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers.We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth;and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass;that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve;that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself;and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.因為我們知道，我們百衲而成的傳統是一種優勢，而不是劣勢。我們是一個由基督教徒和穆斯林、猶太教徒和印度教徒、以及無宗教信仰者組成的國家。我們受惠于地球上四面八方每一種語言和文化的影響。由于我們飲過南北戰爭和種族隔離的苦水，走出了那個黑暗時代并變得更加堅強和團結，我們不能不相信昔日的仇恨終有一天會成為過去；部族之間的界線很快會消失；隨著世界變得越來越小，我們共同的人性將得到彰顯；美國必須為迎來一個和平的新紀元發揮自己的作用。

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.面對穆斯林世界，我們尋求一條新的前進道路，以共同利益和相互尊重為基礎。對于世界上那些妄圖制造矛盾、將自己社會的弊端歸罪于西方的領導人，我們奉勸你們：你們的人民將以你們的建設成就而不是你們的毀滅能力來評判你們。對于那些依靠腐敗、欺騙、壓制不同意見等手段固守權勢的人，我們提醒你們：你們站在了歷史錯誤的一邊；但只要你們放棄壓迫，我們將伸手相助。

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow;to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders;nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect.For the world has changed, and we must change with it.對于貧困國家的人民，我們保證同你們并肩努力，為你們的農田帶來豐收，讓清潔的用水取之不竭；使饑餓的身體得以飽食，使饑渴的心靈受到滋潤。對于那些象我們一樣比較富裕的國家，我們要說我們再不能對他人的苦難無動于衷，也再不能肆意消耗世界的資源。世界已經改變，我們必須與時俱進。

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service;a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.在思索我們面前的道路時，我們懷著崇敬的心情感謝此刻正在偏遠的沙漠和山區巡邏的英勇無畏的美國人。他們向我們述說著什么，正如在阿靈頓公墓長眠的陣亡英雄在漫漫歲月

中低淺的吟誦。我們崇敬他們，不僅因為他們捍衛著我們的自由，而且因為他們代表著獻身精神，體現了超越個人，尋求遠大理想的意愿。然而，在這個時刻，這個具有劃時代意義的時刻，我們大家必須具備的正是這種精神。

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.雖然政府能有許多作為也必須有許多作為，但最終離不開美國人民的信仰和決心，這便是我國的立國之本。正是因為人們在大堤崩裂時接納陌生人的關愛之情，正是因為工人們寧愿減少自己的工時而不愿看到朋友失去工作的無私精神，才使我們度過了最暗淡的時光。正是因為消防隊員們有勇氣沖進濃煙滾滾的樓道，也正是因為做父母的希望培養一個孩子，我們才能決定最后的命運。

Our challenges may be new.The instruments with which we meet them may be new.But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old.These things are true.They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.What is demanded then is a return to these truths.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.我們面臨的挑戰可能前所未聞。我們迎接挑戰的方式也可能前所未有。然而，我們賴以成功的價值觀──誠實和勤奮、勇氣和公平、寬容心和探索精神、忠誠和愛國──均由來以久。這些價值觀都是千真萬確的。這些價值觀是我國整個歷史過程中一股無聲的進步力量。現在需要的便是重歸這些真理。我們現在需要做的是開創負責任的新時代──每一位美國人都需要認識到我們對自己、對國家、對全世界都承擔著義務。對于這些義務，我們并非勉強接受，而是心甘情愿主動承擔，同時堅信我們為艱巨的使命付出一切，沒有任何事可以如此滿足我們的道義感，也沒有任何事能如此體現我們的特性。

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.這就是公民的義務和承諾。

This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.這就是我們自信的來源──認識到上帝呼喚我們在前途不明的情況下掌握自己的命運。

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.這就是我們的自由和我們堅守的信條具有的意義──說明了為什么各種族、各類信仰的男女老少能在這個雄偉的大草坪上歡聚一堂，也說明了為什么今天有人能站在這里進行最莊嚴的宣誓，但他的父親在不到60年前還不能在當地餐館受到接待。

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled.In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river.The capital was abandoned.The enemy was advancing.The snow was stained with blood.At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in

doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people: “Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet(it).” 為此，讓我們記住這一天，記住我們是什么樣的人，記住我們已經走過了多長的路。在美利堅誕生的年月，在那些最寒冷的日子里，為數不多的愛國者聚集在一條冰河的岸邊，身旁的篝火即將熄滅。首都已經撤防。敵人正在進軍。雪地沾滿了斑斑血跡。在我們的革命何去何從，結局最難以估計的時刻，我國的開國元勛決定向人民宣讀以下這段話：

“讓我們昭告未來的世界......在這個酷寒的冬季，萬物一片蕭蘇，只有希望和美德堅忍不拔的時候......這個城市和這個國家，受到共同危難的召喚，挺身而出，奮起迎戰。” 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.美利堅，在我們面臨共同危難之際，在我們遇到艱難險阻的冬日，讓我們牢記這些永恒的話語。心懷希望和美德，讓我們再一次迎著寒風中流擊水，不論什么風暴來襲，必將堅不可摧。今后，讓我們的后代子孫如此評說：我們在遇到考驗的時候沒有半途而廢，沒有退縮不前，也沒有絲毫動搖；讓我們全神貫注于前方的目標，感謝上帝對我們的恩典，繼承自由這個寶貴的傳統，世代相傳，永志不忘。

Thank you.God bless you.And God bless the United States of America.謝謝。上帝保佑你們。天佑美國。

第四篇：奧巴馬就職演說

奧巴馬就職演說

詞匯與短語 part1 *humble ['h?mbl] adj.1.謙卑的，謙虛的，謙恭的，恭順的2.(等級、身份、重要性等)低下的；粗劣的，粗陋的；微末的3.(自我感覺)卑微的；卑下的4.卑躬屈膝的，奴顏媚骨的 vt.1.使謙恭，使謙卑；使溫順：例句: to humble oneself 自卑，低聲下氣to humble one's heart 謙恭，溫順2.壓下…的銳氣，使威風掃地：例句: He was humbled by her good scolding.她的一頓數落打掉了他的銳氣。3.使卑賤；貶低；羞辱：例句: They tried to humble your importance in that achievement.他們企圖貶低你在那次功績中的重要作用。近義詞: lowly.meek.modest.反義詞: proud.conceited.*bestow [bi'st?u] vt.使用；授予；放置；留宿 bestow for： 留宿

*mindful ['maindful] adj.留心的；記住的；警覺的 *sacrifice ['s?krifais] n.犧牲；祭品；供奉 vt.犧牲；獻祭；虧本出售 vi.獻祭；奉獻

*borne [b?:n] v.忍受；負荷；結果實；生子女（bear的過去分詞）*ancestor ['?nsest?] n.始祖，祖先；被繼承人 *generosity [,d?en?'r?s?ti]

? n.慷慨，大方；寬宏大量 ? [ 復數generosities ]

*cooperation [k?u,?p?'rei??n] n.合作，協作；協力

*transition [tr?n'si??n,-'zi??n, trɑ:n-] n.過渡；轉變；轉換；[音]變調（文中政權轉移）*presidential [,prezi'den??l] adj.總統的；統轄的；首長的 *oath [?uθ] n.誓言，誓約；詛咒，咒罵

The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity 這些字詞曾在蒸蒸日上的繁榮時期

*tide [taid] n.趨勢，潮流；潮汐vt.隨潮漂流（汰漬）*prosperity [pr?s'periti] n.繁榮，成功[ 復數prosperities ] and the still waters of peace和寧靜安詳的和平年代誦讀 *still adj.靜止的，不動的；寂靜的，平靜的 every so often adv.偶爾；常常；時常

*amidst [?'midst] prep.在…當中 下文midst同義 raging storms 風暴降臨的時刻

*forbear ['f?:'bε?] vt.忍耐；克制vi.忍耐；克制n.祖先

and true to our founding documents.： 對我們的建國理念忠貞不渝 *crisis ['kraisis] n.危機

Homes have been lost;jobs shed;businesses shuttered 住房不再，就業減少，商業破產 *hatred ['heitrid] n.憎恨；怨恨；敵意 *greed [ɡri:d] n.貪婪，貪心

*irresponsibility ['iri,sp?ns?'bil?ti] n.無責任，無責任感 *adversary ['?dv?s?ri] n.對手；敵手 復數adversaries worthy adversaries重量級的對手

*measurable ['me??r?bl] adj.可測量的；重要的；重大的厚的；意義深遠的；淵博的 *profound [pr?u'faund] adj.深厚的；意義深遠的；淵博的 a nagging fear揮之不去的恐懼（sapping 削弱）

*inevitable [in'evit?bl] adj.必然的，不可避免的 in a short span of time 短時間內，短期內

*conflict n.沖突，矛盾；斗爭；爭執vi.沖突，抵觸；爭執；戰斗 *discord ['disk?:d, dis'k?:d] n.不和；不調和；嘈雜聲vi.不一致；刺耳 *proclaim [pr?u'kleim] vt.聲明；宣告，公布；表明；贊揚 *petty ['peti] adj.小規模的；小氣的；瑣碎的 *grievance ['ɡri:v?ns] n.不滿，不平；委屈；冤情 *recrimination n.反責，反控；揭丑

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas…

今天，我們是來宣布，結束無謂的抱怨和不實的承諾，結束相互的指責和陳舊的教條… *strangle ['str??gl]

vt.把…勒死；使…窒息 vi.窒息而死；被勒死

第五篇：奧巴馬就職演說

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 landthey 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-heartedsome 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 ambitions;greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.This is the journey we continue today.We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth.Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began.Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year.Our capacity remains undiminished.But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisionsnot only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost.We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories.And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age.All this we can do.And all this we will do.Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitionsthat the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it worksto spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of dayand that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity;on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing hearteven greater cooperation and understanding between nations.We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken;you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitionsthat the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it worksto spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of dayand that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous.The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity;on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing hearteven greater cooperation and understanding between nations.We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken;you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness.We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindusknow that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow;to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders;nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect.For the world has changed, and we must change with it.As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service;a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.And yet, at this momentit is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours.It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.Our challenges may be new.The instruments with which we meet them may be new.But those values upon which our success dependsthese things are old.These things are true.They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.What is demanded then is a return to these truths.What is required of us now is a new era of responsibilitythe 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.So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled.In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river.The capital was abandoned.The enemy was advancing.The snow was stained with blood.At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

“Let it be told to the future world……that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive……that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].”

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.