31 Inauguration Quotes to Inspire Virtue and Patriotism

When the masses unite in their hearts and minds to break the vicious walls of abuse and corruption, the purpose of democracy is fulfilled. As we welcome new leaders to serve the country and its people, we’re given hope as to the direction to which we’re all headed.

This year’s inauguration isn’t just about taking the oath of office, it’s also about our country starting anew; the dawning of a new era – for all of us. So in honor of President-elect Joe Biden’s induction into office, which marks the beginning of his term, here are 30 inauguration quotes from former presidents to awaken the patriot in you.

The magnitude and difficulty of the trust to which the voice of my country called me, being sufficient to awaken in the wisest and most experienced of her citizens a distrustful scrutiny into his qualifications, could not but overwhelm with despondence one who (inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpracticed in the duties of civil administration) ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies. – George Washington

To all of those who did not support us, let me say this. Hear me out as we move forward. Take a measure of me and my heart. If you still disagree, so be it. That’s democracy. That’s America. The right to dissent peaceably…is perhaps this nation’s greatest strength. – Joe Biden

To those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request. That both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction. – John F. Kennedy

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds. – Abraham Lincoln

We are provincials no longer. The tragic events of the 30 months of vital turmoil through which we have just passed have made us citizens of the world. There can be no turning back. – Woodrow Wilson

Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves; and we can shirk neither. – Theodore Roosevelt

We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. – Thomas Jefferson

These differences between communism and democracy do not concern the United States alone. People everywhere are coming to realize that what is involved is material well-being, human dignity, and the right to believe in and worship God. – Harry S. Truman

Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. – John F. Kennedy

In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. – Ronald Reagan

Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted, for those that prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor — who have carried us up the long rugged path towards prosperity and freedom. – Barack Obama

For every generation there is a destiny. For some, history decides. For this generation the choice must be our own. – Lyndon B. Johnson

Before entering upon so grave a matter as the destruction of our national fabric, with all its benefits, its memories, and its hopes, would it not be wise to ascertain precisely why we do it? Will you hazard so desperate a step while there is any possibility that any portion of the ills you fly from have no real existence? – Abraham Lincoln

The American dream endures. We must once again have full faith in our country — and in one another. I believe America can be better. We can be even stronger than before. – Jimmy Carter

The grandest of these ideals is an unfolding American promise that everyone belongs, that everyone deserves a chance, that no insignificant person was ever born. – George W. Bush

We have more will than wallet; but will is what we need. – George H. W. Bush

Ours is a time of change—rapid and fantastic change— … shaking old values and uprooting old ways. – Lyndon B. Johnson

This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

How far have we come in man’s long pilgrimage from darkness toward the light? Are we nearing the light–a day of freedom and of peace for all mankind? Or are the shadows of another night closing in upon us? – Dwight D. Eisenhower

While the magnitude of their interests convinces me that no thanks can be adequate to the honor they have conferred, it admonishes me that the best return I can make is the zealous dedication of my humble abilities to their service and their good. – Andrew Jackson

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. – Bill Clinton

For the trust reposed in me I will return the courage and the devotion that befit the time. I can do no less. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

It is particularly gratifying to me to enter on the discharge of these duties at a time when the United States are blessed with peace. It is a state most consistent with their prosperity and happiness. It will be my sincere desire to preserve it, so far as depends on the Executive, on just principles with all nations, claiming nothing unreasonable of any and rendering to each what is due. – James Monroe

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. – Barack Obama

With these views of the nature, character, and objects of the Government and the value of the Union, I shall steadily oppose the creation of those institutions and systems which in their nature tend to pervert it from its legitimate purposes and make it the instrument of sections, classes, and individuals. – James K. Polk

War should never be entered upon until every agency of peace has failed; peace is preferable to war in almost every contingency. – William McKinley

I rejoice in a belief that intellectual light will spring up in the dark corners of the earth; that freedom of inquiry will produce liberality of conduct; that mankind will reverse the absurd position that the many were made for the few. – George Washington

Profound and powerful forces are shaking and remaking our world. And the urgent question of our time is whether we can make change our friend and not our enemy. – Bill Clinton

Your dreams, your hopes, your goals are going to be the dreams, the hopes, and the goals of this administration, so help me God. – Ronald Reagan

But I say to all men, what we have achieved in liberty, we will surpass in greater liberty. – Harry S. Truman

Our democratic faith is more than the creed of our country, it is the inborn hope of our humanity, an ideal we carry but do not own, a trust we bear and pass along. And even after nearly 225 years, we have a long way yet to travel. – George W. Bush

Share these 30 inauguration quotes on social media just in time for the country’s inauguration ceremony.