My fellow citizens: At this last presidential inauguration of the 20th century, let us lift our
eyes toward the challenges that await us in the next century. It is our great good fortune
that time and chance have put us not only at the edge of a new century, in a new
millennium, but on the edge of a bright new prospect in human affairs-a moment that will
define our course, and our character, for decades to come. We must keep our old
democracy forever young. Guided by the ancient vision of a promised land, let us set our
sights upon a land of new promise.
The promise of America was born in the 18th century out of the bold conviction that we
are all created equal. It was extended and preserved in the 19th century, when our nation
spread across the continent, saved the union, and abolished the awful scourge of slavery.
Then, in turmoil and triumph, that promise exploded onto the world stage to make this
the American Century.
And what a century it has been. America became the world’s mightiest industrial power;
saved the world from tyranny in two world wars and a long cold war; and time and again,
reached out across the globe to millions who, like us, longed for the blessings of liberty.
Along the way, Americans produced a great middle class and security in old age; built
unrivaled centers of learning and opened public schools to all; split the atom and
explored the heavens; invented the computer and the microchip; and deepened the
wellspring of justice by making a revolution in civil rights for African Americans and all
minorities, and extending the circle of citizenship, opportunity and dignity to women.
Now, for the third time, a new century is upon us, and another time to choose. We began
the 19th century with a choice, to spread our nation from coast to coast. We began the
20th century with a choice, to harness the Industrial Revolution to our values of free
enterprise, conservation, and human decency. Those choices made all the difference. At
the dawn of the 21st century a free people must now choose to shape the forces of the
Information Age and the global society, to unleash the limitless potential of all our people,
and, yes, to form a more perfect union.
When last we gathered, our march to this new future seemed less certain than it does
today. We vowed then to set a clear course to renew our nation.
In these four years, we have been touched by tragedy, exhilarated by challenge,
strengthened by achievement. America stands alone as the world’s indispensable nation.
Once again, our economy is the strongest on Earth. Once again, we are building stronger
families, thriving communities, better educational opportunities, a cleaner environment.
Problems that once seemed destined to deepen now bend to our efforts: our streets are
safer and record numbers of our fellow citizens have moved from welfare to work.