“On this day we have gathered because we have chosen hope over fear; unity and purpose over conflict and discord,” Obama, America's first black president, said in his inaugural address in front of an estimated two million people jam packed on the National Mall in Washington DC.
He credited America’s pursuit of equality as God-inspired and asked for His grace as the United States of America strives to overcome mountain-high problems.
“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,” he said to a roar of cheers.
True to his reputation as an inspiring leader, Obama delivered a speech acknowledging the reality of the enormous challenges that lay ahead of the nation, while at the same time reminding Americans that they are no less productive or inventive or capable than in previous prosperous times.
“Starting from today we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America,” the new president declared.
He also extended a hand of friendship to the people and nations of the world declaring that America “is ready to lead once more.”
America is strong because of its “patchwork heritage,” Obama stated.
“We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers,” he said. “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.”
In the final words of his inaugural speech, Obama urged the nation to keep going.
“In this winter of our hardship … let it be said of 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 forward that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”
As part of the new president’s message of unity despite differences, conservative evangelical the Rev Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in southern California was selected to deliver the invocation.
