Encouragement from Our Past

As I listened to President Barack Obama’s inaugural speech I noticed how he continually used references from the past to help strengthen those who were listening out of the future. This was apparent when he described the situation that had beset a small band of patriots that were about to go to war. It was completed with a quote that was referenced from George Washington himself that read, “Let it be told to the future world... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it].” It was this quote that he directed to those whom were listening as a way to unite and ready them for upcoming trials ahead. Another reference to our countries past was that of past presidents that had taken the oath during times of trial. He used this to remind Americans that our country hadn’t made it through its troubles by the hand of those who were in high office, but also by the American people who stuck to the ideals of our forefathers.