Quotes from Obama's Inauguration Day
Memorable Words Help Make History as Obama Becomes President
Jan 20, 2009
More than one million people gathered on the National Mall and along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., to witness the event and hear words that may go down in history, CNN reports. Here is a sampling of what has been said on the day Obama became U.S. president:
Bishop T.D. Jakes, a senior pastor from Houston, during a church service prior to the swearing-in ceremony:
"The problems are mighty and the solutions are not simple, and everywhere you turn there will be a critic waiting to attack every decision that you make. But you are all fired up, sir, and you are ready to go.”
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who opened the inaugural ceremony:
"Future generations will mark this moment as the turning point of real and necessary change.”
Saddleback Church founder Dr. Rick Warren, delivering the invocation:
"We know today that (the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.”
Obama Addresses the Public as President
U.S. President Barack Obama, in his inaugural speech:
"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear … 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 reject the idea we must choose between our security and our ideals … We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence."
“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.”
"What is required of us 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.”
California political strategist Phil Trounstine, to the San Francisco Chronicle:
"This was the personification of our sacred civic belief that 'all men are created equal.’”
Evadey Minott of Brooklyn, N.Y., to CNN:
"This is America happening. It was prophesized by King that we would have a day when everyone would come together. This is that day. I am excited. I am joyful. It brings tears to my eyes."
Spectator Dr. Ken Hill, from Alabama, in speaking to Sky News:
"I feel like I belong to America now."
