We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom, symbolizing
an end, as well as a beginning; signifying renewal, as well as change
. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our
forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago. In your
hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success
or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation
of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty
. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround
the globe. Now the trumpet summons us again, not as a call to bear arms
, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are
; but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and
year out, "rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation", a struggle against
the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself. Can
we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and
South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind
? Will you join in that historic effort? In the long history of the world
, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom
in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility
. I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with
any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion
which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve
it. And the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my
fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you
can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what
America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of
man. Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world
, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which
we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history
the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love
, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth, God
's work must truly be our own.