And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was 8 years ago. But more than that: After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home.

By working together, pooling our resources and building on our strengths, we can accomplish great things.

We do not deny any nation's legitimate interest in security. But protecting the security of one nation by robbing another of its national independence and national traditions is not legitimate. In the long run, it is not even secure.

A broader reading of history shows that appeasement, no matter how it is labeled, never fulfills the hopes of the appeasers.

The signs of the Vietnam War protestors said "Make Love not War!" It didn't seem to me that they were capable of either.

May all of you as Americans never forget your heroic origins, never fail to seek Divine guidance, and never lose your natural God-given optimism.

America was founded by people who believe that God is their Rock of safety.