"...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...



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."












-Barack Obama, The President of the United States
January 20, 2009