When George W. Bush became president on Jan, 20, 2001, he spoke of America as "a story we continue, but whose end we will not see," and a tale "of flawed and fallible people, united across the generations by grand and enduring ideals."
Bush, the son of George H.W. Bush, couldn't have foreseen the horrors of 9/11 that would shatter the country during his first year in office. His first inaugural speech was heavy of national pride and resolve, as he attempted to re-assure a shaken public. Here are seven highlights from his inaugural speeches:
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1. "Through much of the last century, America’s faith in freedom and democracy was a rock in a raging sea. Now it is a seed upon the wind, taking root in many nations." (Jan. 20, 2001)
2. "The enemies of liberty and our country should make no mistake: America remains engaged in the world by history and by choice, shaping a balance of power that favors freedom. We will defend our allies and our interests. We will show purpose without arrogance. We will meet aggression and bad faith with resolve and strength. And to all nations, we will speak for the values that gave our nation birth." (Jan. 20, 2001)
3. "All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you." (Jan. 20, 2005)
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4. "Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own. America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way." (Jan. 20, 2005)
5. "There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom." (Jan. 20, 2005)
6. "We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world." (Jan. 20, 2005)
7. "The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world." (Jan. 20, 2005)
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