Thursday, June 12, 2008

George H.W. Bush - Inaugural Address

When George H.W. Bush was elected, part of his ceremonial celebration after his inauguration was themed "From George to George" (meaning it was 200 years since George Washington was elected President). After being sworn in, President said:

"I have just repeated word for word the oath taken by George Washington 200
years ago, and the Bible on which I placed my hand is the Bible on which he
placed his. It is right that the memory of Washington be with us today, not
only because this is our Bicentennial Inauguration, but because Washington
remains the Father of our Country. And he would, I think, be gladdened by
this day; for today is the concrete expression of a stunning fact: our
continuity these 200 years since our government began.

"We meet on democracy's front porch, a good place to talk as neighbors and
as friends. For this is a day when our nation is made whole, when our
differences, for a moment, are suspended.

"And my first act as President is a prayer. I ask you to bow your heads:

"Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank You for Your love. Accept our
thanks for the peace that yields this day and the shared faith that makes
its continuance likely. Make us strong to do Your work, willing to heed and
hear Your will, and write on our hearts these words: "Use power to help
people." For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make
a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power,
and it is to serve people. Help us to remember it, Lord. Amen."

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