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Obama Sends Message of Hope at Lincoln Memorial

Posted January. 20, 2009 08:08,   

한국어

“Yes we can” was the first message of hope from U.S. President-elect Barack Obama when he arrived in Washington by train from Philadelphia Saturday.

“I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure - that the dream of our founders will live on in our time,” Obama said in his pre-inauguration concert under the theme “We Are One” at the Lincoln Memorial Sunday.

To the estimated 300,000 people who braved the cold to see him, he said, “Our nation is at war. Our economy is in crisis. Millions of Americans are losing their jobs and their homes, but what gives me the greatest hope is you.”

▽ Message of hope

In what is called the summary of his inauguration speech set for Tuesday, he said no obstacle can stand in the way of voices calling for change, urging the affirmation of faith that anything is possible in America.

“Never forget that the true character of our nation is revealed not during times of comfort and ease, but by the right we do when the moment is hard. I ask you to help me reveal that character once more, and together, we can carry forward as one nation, and one people,” he said.

The pre-inauguration ceremony started with “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen, followed by Beyonce, U2, Sheryl Crow, Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder.

Actors Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx also wished for Obama’s success on stage.

▽ Responsibility and accountability

Obama’s inauguration address will be about responsibility and accountability. He is said to have completed the draft over the weekend.

“The themes will be heavily infused with this notion of responsibility and getting our country back on track,” incoming White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told Fox News. “We have to have it, certainly, within many of our financial institutions that sort of have gotten us to where we are in this economic crisis today.”

Rahm Emanuel, the next White House chief of staff, said on the political TV talk show “Meet the Press,” “We need that culture of responsibility not just to be asked of the American people, but that its leaders must also lead by example.”

The Washington Post said Obama’s speech will stress restoring the character of America, and be reminiscent of the 1961 inauguration speech of President John F. Kennedy, who said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”



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