For as much as government can and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. Our challenges and the instruments with which we meet them may be new, but those values upon which our success depends: Honesty, hard work, courage, fair play, tolerance, curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old, and are true, and have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded is a return to these truths. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now 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, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence; the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed; why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent country. And why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take this most sacred oath.
Barack Obama Presidential Inaugural Speech
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