First Inaugural Address of Ronald Reagan

Delivered on Tuesday, January 20, 1981, marking the orderly, constitutional transfer of executive authority.
Addressed key figures present, including Senator Hatfield, Mr. Chief Justice, President Carter, Vice President Bush, Vice President Mondale, Senator Baker, Speaker O'Neill, and Reverend Moomaw.
Expressed gratitude to President Carter for a cooperative transition process that demonstrated national unity and preserved the continuity of the Republic.

Addressed severe ongoing economic afflictions, including sustained inflation, high unemployment, heavy tax burdens, and decades of accumulated deficit spending.
Established the core policy perspective: in the current crisis, government is not the solution to the problem, but the problem itself.
Committed to curbing the size and influence of the Federal establishment while respecting powers reserved to the States and the people.
Prioritized removing economic roadblocks, lightening punitive taxes, and restoring productivity without compromising core principles.

Affirmed loyalty and support to historic allies while emphasizing that American sovereignty is not for sale.
Declared peace as the highest national aspiration, while maintaining sufficient strength to defend national security and deter potential adversaries.
Identified the moral courage and ultimate will of free citizens as the most formidable weapon against terrorism and aggression.

Rejected predictions of inevitable national decline and called for an era of national renewal and heroic dreams.
Defined ordinary working citizens—farmers, factory workers, shopkeepers, teachers, and entrepreneurs—as the true heroes of the nation.
Cited Dr. Joseph Warren, President of the Massachusetts Congress during the American Revolution, who urged citizens to "Act worthy of yourselves."
Highlighted the historic setting on the West Front of the Capitol, looking toward monuments to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Recounted the story of Martin Treptow, a WWI barber shop worker killed in France with the Rainbow Division in 1917, whose diary pledge pledged utmost effort and sacrifice for America.