ation still mighty in its youth and powerful
in its purpose. With our alliances strengthened, with our economy
leading the world to a new age of economic expansion, we look forward to
a world rich in possibilities. And all this because we have worked and
acted together, not as members of political parties, but as Americans.

My friends, we live in a world that is lit by lightning. So much is
changing and will change, but so much endures, and transcends time.

History is a ribbon, always unfurling; history is a journey. And as we
continue our journey, we think of those who traveled before us. We stand
together again at the steps of this symbol of our democracy--or we would
have been standing at the steps if it hadn't gotten so cold. Now we are
standing inside this symbol of our democracy. Now we hear again the
echoes of our past: a general falls to his knees in the hard snow of
Valley Forge; a lonely President paces the darkened halls, and ponders
his struggle to preserve the Union; the men of the Alamo call out
encouragement to each other; a settler pushes west and sings a song, and
the song echoes out forever and fills the unknowing air.

It is the American sound. It is hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic,
daring, decent, and fair. That's our heritage; that is our song. We sing
it still. For all our problems, our differences, we are together as of
old, as we raise our voices to the God who is the Author of this most
tender music. And may He continue to hold us close as we fill the world
with our sound--sound in unity, affection, and love--one people under
God, dedicated to the dream of freedom that He has placed in the human
heart, called upon now to pass that dream on to a waiting and hopeful
world.

God bless you and may God bless America.

* * * * *

GEORGE BUSH, INAUGURAL ADDRESS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1989

[Transcriber's note: The 200th anniversary of the Presidency was observed
as George Bush took the executive oath on the same Bible George
Washington used in 1789. The ceremony occurred on a platform on the
terrace of the West Front of the Capitol. The oath of office was
administered by Chief Justice William Rehnquist. After the ceremony the
President and Mrs. Bush led the inaugural parade from the Capitol to the
White House, walking along several blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue to
greet the spectators.]

Mr. Chief Justice, Mr. President, Vice President Quayle, Senator
Mitchell, Speaker Wrig