InauguralAddressofHarryS
TrumanTHURSDAY,JANUARY20,1949Mr
VicePresident,Mr
ChiefJustice,andfellowcitizens,IacceptwithhumilitythehonorwhichtheAmericanpeoplehaveconferreduponme
IacceptitwithadeepresolvetodoallthatIcanforthewelfareofthisNationandforthepeaceoftheworld
Inperformingthedutiesofmyoffice,Ineedthehelpandprayersofeveryoneofyou
Iaskforyourencouragementandyoursupport
Thetaskswefacearedifficult,andwecanaccomplishthemonlyifweworktogether
Eachperiodofournationalhistoryhashaditsspecialchallenges
Thosethatconfrontusnowareasmomentousasanyinthepast
Todaymarksthebeginningnotonlyofanewadministration,butofaperiodthatwillbeeventful,perhapsdecisive,forusandfortheworld
Itmaybeourlottoexperience,andinlargemeasuretobringabout,amajorturningpointinthelonghistoryofthehumanrace
Thefirsthalfofthiscenturyha