Over 11 years ago, Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of The United States. The momentous occasion, which marked the first African American President, took place amongst a backdrop of uncertainty. The US was in the midst of an economic crisis after the 2008 financial crash, and engulfed in conflict in both Afghanistan and Iraq as part of their post 9/11 'War on Terror'. Obama's message of cautious, yet determined, optimism sought to resonate with the American people. Much like Kennedy in 1961, Obama focussed on the powerful theme of American civic responsibility, emphasising the ability of the American people to endure the very harshest of times, and that they would overcome these challenges as a united nation.
Short Excerpt from Speech:
"America: In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
Youtube Video From CBS News : https://youtu.be/JwcR00oGbv0
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