奥巴马说，重新确认美国坚韧不拔精神和选择更好历史道路的时候到了。他说，现在是美国向前迈进的时候了，依靠代代相传的宝贵财富和高尚理想，即人人生而平等，人人自由，人人享有追求最大幸福的机会。
奥巴马说，伟大从来都不是给予的，而是必须争取得来。他赞扬那些在以往冲突中战斗过得人，并说这些男女奋斗不止，以使其他人生活得更好。奥巴马说，这一旅程今天将继续下去。
Mr. Obama says the time has come to reaffirm the country’s enduring spirit and choose a better history. He said it is time for the country to move forward on that precious gift, that noble idea, passed from generation to generation that all people are created equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
Mr. Obama said that greatness is never a given and must be earned. He acknowledged those who have fought in past conflicts, saying time and again these men and women struggled so others may have a better life. He said the journey continues today.