5 Best Inauguration Day 2017 Quotes From Past Presidents

An incoming US President’s inaugural address is regarded as a leader’s promise to the people, and often used for checks and balances once the president’s new administration policies role out.

That is why on Friday, January 20th, many have listened to Donald Trump delivered his first speech as the 45th President of the United States of America. Despite expectations, Trump’s speech was focused on prioritizing the country first before any foreign responsibility, which could be an assurance the businessman’s supporters need.

“From this day forward, it's going to be only America first, America first. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families,” he said.

Let’s look at the top five best Inaugural Day quotes by former US presidents:

1. John F Kennedy

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

Kennedy’s quote appeals to the American’s patriotism.

2. Abraham Lincoln

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.”

Lincoln’s message was a call for peace during the Civil War.

3. Thomas Jefferson

"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."

Jefferson’s inauguration was 'one of the most interesting scenes, a free people can ever witness,” to quote Margaret Bayard Smith.

4. Ronald Reagan

“In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”

Reagan’s political followers use this quote to justify their policy decisions, a Heavy.com contributor noted.

5. Barack Obama

“We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history;to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”

Obama’s quote can be seen as a response in support of the marginalized minorities: LGBTQ, Muslims, undocumented residents, and women.