speech

On a frigid but bright day in Washington, President Bush took the oath of office conscious of how much the world has changed since he was sworn in for the first time four years ago.

President Bush at inaugural ceremony today (Image: CTV News).

In his inaugural address, he evoked the "day of fire," Sept. 11, 2001, that interrupted a "sabbatical" the country enjoyed in the wake of the Cold War's end.

In the "consequential times" we are in, he said, we must recognize that "the survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands."

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"There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment and expose the pretention of tyrants and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom," the president said.

Bush was formally sworn in for a second term of office by cancer-stricken U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, seen in public for the first time in weeks. The justice, recovering from thyroid treatments, walked with a cane and spoke in a raspy voice using a special device.

In his address, Bush said the ultimate goal is nothing less than the "ending of tyranny in our world."

But "freedom, by its nature, must be chosen," he said, "and defended by citizens and sustained by the rule of law and protection of minorities."

America, he said, "will not impose [its] own style of government on the unwilling" but help other nations "find their own voice, obtain their own freedom, find their own way."

Capitol steps at inaugural ceremony today (Image: CTV News).

Some have questioned the universal appeal of freedom, the president said, but "Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of our ideals."

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"We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery," he said. "Liberty will come to those who love it."

The president pledged that "all who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know the United States will not ignore your opression."

"When you stand for liberty," he said, "we will stand with you. Democratic reformers facing prison or exile can know America sees you for who you are, future leaders of your country."

The president said "as hope kindles hope, millions more will find it" and "one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world."

To sustained cheers, Bush made a direct reference to God's sovereignty, declaring history "has a visible direction set by liberty and the author of liberty."

"We are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom," he said.

Overcoming fear

At the traditional pre-inauguration prayer service this morning, Rev. Luis Leon prayed that Bush would help Americans overcome fear amid the threat of terrorist attacks.

"Do not let our fear overcome our faithfulness," he said.

Leon said he told the president, "I hope you can invite us to be good people, better people."

"Black, brown, rich, poor, gay, straight, we are one," the pastor said.

Leon also delivered the invocation at the swearing-in ceremony. Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, performed the benediction.

Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, delivered the welcoming remarks.

Rep. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., administered the oath of office to Vice President Dick Cheney prior to Bush's swearing-in.

The president and vice president were joined by their families, members of the Cabinet and administration, members of the House and Senate, Supreme Court, Diplomatic Corps, Joint Chiefs of Staff and other invited guests.

After the ceremony, Bush and Cheney attended a luncheon inside the Capitol in Statuary Hall.

Pennsylvania Avenue is the scene this afternoon of a 1.7-mile parade with an estimated 11,000 people.

Under the tightest security ever for an inauguration, more than 6,000 law enforcement personnel are on hand. Manhole covers are welded shut, and more than 100 city blocks have been closed down. Pedestrians are restricted by concrete barriers and security fences, and monitored by cameras.

The antiwar group International ANSWER is among the protesters assigned space along the parade route, marking the first time antiwar demonstrators have been given such access.

As WorldNetDaily reported, a court ordered the District of Columbia to give one of International ANSWER's founding members, the International Action Center, significant amounts of security data related to the 2001 presidential inauguration. The IAC, founded by former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, is a front group for the communist Workers World Party and has ties to two terrorist organizations.

Tonight the president and first lady are expected to briefly attend each of the nine official inaugural balls.

A national prayer service tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the National Cathedral in Washington will conclude the week's events.

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