We have learned that we must live as men, not as ostriches,
nor as dogs in the manger.
We have learned to be citizens of the world, members of the human
community.
We have learned the simple truth, as Emerson said, that "The only
way to have a friend is to be one." We can gain no lasting peace
if we approach it with suspicion and mistrust or with fear.
We can gain it only if we proceed with the understanding, the
confidence, and the courage which flow from conviction.
The Almighty God has blessed our land in many ways. He has given
our people stout hearts and strong arms with which to strike
mighty blows for freedom and truth. He has given to our country a
faith which has become the hope of all peoples in an anguished
world.
So we pray to Him now for the vision to see our way clearly--to
see the way that leads to a better life for ourselves and for all
our fellow men--to the achievement of His will to peace on earth.
INAUGURAL ADDRESSES OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES
Harry S. Truman
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1949
***
A former county judge, Senator and Vice President, Harry S. Truman
had taken the oath of office first on April 12, 1945, upon the
death of President Roosevelt. Mr. Truman's victory in the 1948
election was so unexpected that many newspapers had declared the
Republican candidate, Governor Thomas E.
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