To this day, America is still the abiding alternative to tyranny. This is our purpose in the world, nothing more and nothing less.

And we're also remembering the guiding light of our Judeo-Christian tradition. All of us here today are descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, sons and daughters of the same God. I believe we are bound by faith in our God, by our love for family and neighborhood, by our deep desire for a more peaceful world, and by our commitment to protect the freedom which is our legacy as Americans. These values have given a renewed sense of worth to our lives. They are infusing America with confidence and optimism that many thought we had lost.

A truly successful army is one that, because of its strength and ability and dedication, will not be called upon to fight, for no one will dare to provoke it.

History comes and history goes, but principles endure, and ensure future generations will defend liberty not as a gift from government but as a blessing from our Creator.

A nation that cannot control its borders is not a nation.

Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity; not stifle it.

For the eight years I was president I never let my dream of a nuclear-free world fade from my mind.