A Historic Day

Dear Friends:

This is a magnificent day for our country. Not only are the eight years of Bush rule over, but today the United States elected a man that, were he alive and in our country at its founding, might not have even had the right to walk the streets without permission. Were he an adult in the United States before 1964 and 1965, a mere 44 years ago, he might not have had the right to vote. Even during the darkest days of the Bush presidency, I've believed Americans will get past the horrific scar that is 9/11, and move on to re-embrace the dream of a more perfect union. Time and again, Americans have overcome dark days - and today I'm hopeful that we'll do so again.

It occurred to me this morning how much we take this process - the peaceful, non hereditary transfer of power - for granted. We live in a remarkable place, for we the people are the ones who ultimately bear responsibility for the direction we take as a nation. As President-Elect Obama said, the journey is just beginning; an election is just an opportunity to embrace each other as Americans. We must not merely be satisfied that Democrats have won tonight - we must now work to encourage, support and if necessary, demand that change.

God bless you, your families, the USA and our fellow citizens of the world.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own. - President John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961