奥巴马在阵亡将士纪念日上的讲话

第一篇：奥巴马在阵亡将士纪念日上的讲话

This week, I've been speaking about America's national security—our past, our present, and our future.本周我想谈谈美国国家安全的过去，现在以及未来。

On Thursday, I outlined the future of our fight against terrorism—the threats we face, and the way in which we will meet them.在周四，我提出了我们未来打击恐怖主义的蓝图，我们所面临的威胁以及我们如何应对的措施。

On Friday, I went to Annapolis to celebrate the extraordinary young men and women of the United States Naval Academy's Class of 2013。

在周五，我前往安纳波利斯与杰出的年轻人们一起庆祝美国海军学院2013年的毕业典礼，the sailors and Marines who will not only lead that fight, but who will lead our country for decades to come.水手和海军陆战队员们不仅将引领未来的战争，而且还将在未来数十年引领我们国家的安全。

And on Monday, we celebrate Memorial Day.而在下周一，我们要度过阵亡将士纪念日。Unofficially, it's the start of summer.在夏天还非正式开始到来的时候，a chance for us to spend some time with family and friends, at barbecues or the beach, getting a little fun and relaxation in before heading back to work.这是我们与家人和朋友共度时光的好机会，在重返工作岗位前人们可以一起烧烤或者去海滩，享受欢乐，放松身心。

It's also a day on which we set aside some time, on our own or with our families, to honor and remember all the men and women who have given their lives in service to this country we love.这也是我们抽出时间与家人一起缅怀那些我们深爱为国捐躯英雄们的一天。They are heroes, each and every one.他们每个人都是英雄。

They gave America the most precious thing they had—“the last full measure of devotion.” 他们把自己所拥有最宝贵的献给了美国—鞠躬尽瘁、死而后已。

And because they did, we are who we are today—a free and prosperous nation, the greatest in the world.正因为有了他们，我们才能有今天—世界上最伟大的自由繁荣的国家。

At a time when only about one percent of the American people bear the burden of our defense, the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform isn't always readily apparent.回收往昔，肩负国家防卫重担的人只占总人口的1%，将士们的付出和牺牲总是不引人注目。That's partly because our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen are so skilled at what they do.这部分是因为我们的陆军、海军、空军、海军陆战队以及海岸警卫队训练有素。It's also because those who serve tend to do so quietly.也是因为他们总是默默无闻，They don't seek the limelight.不追求聚光灯的映衬。

They don't serve for our admiration, or even our gratitude.他们不是为了我们的敬佩抑或感激而服役。They risk their lives, and many give their lives, for something larger than themselves or any of us: 他们冒着生命危险，而且很多人献出了自己的生命，只为了一个比他们自己和我们所有人更伟大的目标：

the ideals of liberty and justice that make America a beacon of hope for the world.那就是让美国成为世界希望之灯塔的自由和公正的理念。That's been true throughout our history: 而这在我们的历史上一切都有迹可循，from our earliest days, when a tiny band of revolutionaries stood up to an Empire, to our 911 Generation, which continues to serve and sacrifice today.从早先最小一部分革命家揭竿而起反对帝国开始直到911这代人，都是不断为了国家以致于牺牲生命。

Every time a threat has risen, Americans have risen to meet it.而每当威胁来临，美国人民总是积极应对。

And because of that courage—that willingness to fight, and even die—America endures.正因为有了这种勇于战斗、不畏牺牲的精神，美国才能渡过难关。That is the purpose of Memorial Day.这就是阵亡将士纪念日的目的。

To remember with gratitude the countless men and women who gave their lives so we could know peace and live in freedom.满怀感激之心纪念无数献出了自己生命的将士们，我们因为他们才知道有和平，才能自由的生活。

And we must do more than remember.而我们除了缅怀还有更多事情要做。

We must care for the loved ones that our fallen service members have left behind.我们必须照顾好为国捐躯的将士们的家人。

We must make sure all our veterans have the care and benefits they've earned, and the jobs and opportunity they deserve.我们必须确保所有退伍军人享有他们应得的照顾和福利，以及工作的岗位和机会。

We must be there for the military families whose loved ones are in harm's way—for they serve as well.我们必须与军属家庭站在一起，因为他们的亲人正身赴战场为国服役。

And above all, we must make sure that the men and women of our armed forces have the support they need to achieve their missions safely at home and abroad.而且我们必须确保男女将士们得到应有的支持，让他们在国内和海外安全的完成任务。The young men and women I met at the Naval Academy this week know the meaning of service.本周，我在海军学院遇到的那些年轻人们明白这点。They've studied the heroes of our history.他们也已经学习过英雄们的历史。

They've chosen to follow in their footsteps—to stand their watch, man a ship, lead a platoon.而且他们选择追随英雄们的脚步，坚守岗位、守卫舰船，领导战斗。They are doing their part.他们正在尽自己的本分。And each of us must do ours.而我们也必须做好自己的事情。So this weekend, as we commemorate Memorial Day, I ask you to hold all our fallen heroes in your hearts.所以在这个周末，在阵亡将士纪念日，我希望大家用心去缅怀逝去的英雄们。And every day, let us work together to preserve what their sacrifices achieved.每一天，让我们彼此团结，珍惜他们用生命换来的一切，to make our country even stronger, even more fair, even more free.让我们的国家更强大，更公平，更自由。That is our mission.这是我们的使命。It is our obligation.也是我们的责任。

And it is our privilege, as the heirs of those who came before us, and as citizens of the United States of America.作为前人的后继者们，作为美国的公民，这也是我们的权利。Thanks.谢谢大家！

第二篇：口译：奥巴马在阵亡将士纪念日的演讲(中英对照)

On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes, our sense of patriotism is particularly strong.Because while we gather here under open skies, we know that far beyond the Organ Mountains – in the streets of , and the outskirts of Kabul – America's sons and daughters are sacrificing on our behalf.And our thoughts and prayers are with them.I speak to you today with deep humility.My grandfather marched in Patton's Army, but I cannot know what it is to walk into battle like so many of you.My grandmother worked on a bomber assembly line, but I cannot know what it is for a family tolike so many of yours have.I am the father of two young girls, and I cannot imagine what it is to lose a child.My heart breaks for the families who've lost a loved one.These are things I cannot know.But there are also some things I do know.I know that our sadness today is mixed with pride;that those we've lost will be remembered by a grateful nation;and that ourhere today is only possible because your loved ones, America's patriots, were willing to give their lives to defend our nation.I know that while we may come from different places, cherish different traditions, and have differentbeliefs, we all – every one of us – hold in reverence those who've given this country the full measure of their devotion.And I know that children in New Mexico and across this country look to your children, to your brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, and friends–to those we honor today–as a shining example of what's best about America.Their lives are a model for us all.What led these men and women to wear their country's uniform? What is it that leads anyone to put aside their own pursuit of life's comforts;totheir own sense of survival, for something bigger – something greater?

Many of those we honor today were so young when they were killed.They had a whole life ahead of them–birthdays and weddings, holidays with children and grandchildren, homes and jobs and

happiness of their own.And yet, at one moment or another, they felt the tug, just as generations of Americans did before them.Maybe it was ain a Boston square;or a President's call to save

the Union and free the slaves.Maybe it was the day of infamy that awakened a nation to a storm in the Pacific and a madman's death march across Europe.Or maybe it was the morning they woke up to see our walls of security crumble along with our two largest towers.Whatever the moment was, when it came and they felt that tug, perhaps it was simply the thought of a mom or a dad, a husband or a wife, or a child not yet born that made this young American think that it was time to go;that made them think “I must serve so that the people I love can live–in happiness, and safety, and freedom.”

This sense of service is what America is all about.It is what leads Americans to enter the.It is what sustains them in the most difficult hours.And it is the safeguard of our security.You see, America has the greatest military in the history of the world.We have the best training, the most advanced technology, the mostplanning, and the most powerful weapons.And yet, in the end, though each of these things is absolutely critical, the true strength of our military lies someplace else.It lies in the spirit of America's servicemen and women.No matter whether they faced down fascism or fought for freedom in Korea and Vietnam;liberated Kuwait or stoppedcleansing in the Balkans or serve brilliantly and bravely under our flag today;no matter whether they are black, white, , Asian, or Native American;whether they come from old military families, or are recent immigrants – their stories tell the same truth.It is not simply their bravery, their insistence on doing their part – whatever the cost – to make America more secure and our world more free.It's not simply anbelief in our highest ideals.It's that in the thick of battle, when their very survival is threatened, America's sons and daughters aren't thinking about themselves, they're thinking about one another;they're risking everything to save not their own lives, but the lives of their fellow soldiers and sailors, airmen and Marines.And when we lose them – in a final act of selflessness and service – we know that they died so that their brothers and sisters, so that our nation, might live.What makes America's servicemen and women heroes is not just their sense of duty, honor, and country;it's the bigness of their hearts and the breadth of their compassion.That is what we honor today.Oliver Wendell Holmes once remarked that “To fight out a war, you must believe something and want something with all your might.” The Americans we honor today believed.Sergeant Ryan Jopek

believed.Ryan was just weeks away from coming home when hefor a mission to Mosul from which he would never return.His friends remember his easy smile;I remember Ryan because of the bracelet his mother gave me that I wear every day.Next to his name, it reads: “All gave some–he gave all.”

It is a living reminder of our obligation as Americans to serve Ryan as well as he served us;as well as the wounded warriors I've had the honor of meeting at Walter Reed have served us;as well as the soldiers at Fort Bliss and the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world are serving us.That means giving the same priority to building a 21st century VA as to building a 21st century military.It means having zero tolerance for veterans sleeping on our streets.It means bringing home our POWs and MIAs.And it means treating the graves oflike the hallowed ground it is and banning protests near funerals.But it also means something more.It means understanding that what Ryan and so many Americans fought and died for is not a place on a map or a certain kind of people.What they sacrificed for –what they gave all for–is a larger idea–the idea that a nation can be governed by laws, not men;that we can be equal in the eyes of those laws;that we can be free to say what we want, write what we want, and worship as we please;that we can have the right to pursue our own dreams, but theto help our fellow Americans pursue theirs.So on this day, of all days, let's memorialize our fallen heroes by honoring all who wear our country's uniform;and by completing their work to make America more secure and our world more free.But let's also do our part – service-member and civilian alike – to live up to the idea that so many of our fellow citizens have –the idea of America.That is the essence of patriotism.That is the lesson of this solemn day.And that is the task that lies ahead.May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.chinese:

中文演讲稿

译者：徐达

在今天这个阵亡将士纪念日，当我们国家缅怀其前赴后继牺牲的英雄时，我们的爱国主义情绪尤其强烈。我们在此集会的同时，在同一片天空下，我们知道在离奥根山千里之外的土地上——在巴格达的街头，喀布尔的城郊——美利坚的儿女正在为我们付出他们自己的生命。我们的思念与祈祷与他们同在。

今天我以非常谦卑的态度与你们谈话。我的祖父曾经在巴顿将军的部队里服役，但我没有像你们许多人那样拥有亲历战场的体验。我的祖父当时在一个轰炸机流水装配线上工作，但我也无法感知像你们许多家庭那样付出牺牲的痛苦。

作为两个女孩的父亲，我无法想象如果失去一个孩子会是什么样子。我为那些失去亲人的家庭感到悲痛欲绝。这些是我所不知道的事情，但有些是我的确是知道的。

我知道我们今日的悲伤中夹带着自豪。我们的国家将感激并铭记那些在战争中失去生命的将士。我们今天得以在此地集会就是因为你们的亲人、美利坚的爱国主义者愿意用生命来捍卫我们的国家。

我知道我们也许来自不同地区，拥有不同历史文化传统，秉持不同政见，但我们——每一个人——都对那些为了国家奉献毕生努力的人们表示崇高的敬意。

我知道新墨西哥，连同这个国家的孩子们将把你们的孩子、你们的兄弟姐妹、父母朋友以及所有我们今天尊敬的人们共同视为美利坚最光辉耀眼的一笔。

他们的一生是我们所有人的榜样。

是什么促使这些男女将士穿上这个国家的军装？是什么引导每一个人都放下他们自身对生活舒适的追求，压制他们求生的本能和欲望——为了一些更伟大、更有意义的事业？

我们今天纪念的英雄们有许多在他们很年轻的时候就献出了宝贵的生命。他们眼前本来有着一整幅人生的画卷尚未展开——生日和婚礼，与子孙共享假日天伦之乐，还有属于他们自己的家庭、事业和幸福。但是他们总能时不时地感受到来自祖国的召唤，就如同他们之前历代美国人民一样：也许这是在一场波士顿广场上的大屠杀；也许这来自总统的呼吁去拯救整个联邦、解放黑奴。也许那是整个民族的耻辱日促使其投入到太平洋战争的腥风血雨之中，投入到战争狂人希特勒肆虐的欧洲战场上。或者也许这是9月11日那天他们醒来的时候发现国家的安全保障已经随着双子大楼的倒塌而崩溃。

不管是哪一时刻，当它来临的时候，美利坚年轻的儿女就会受到这种感召，也许他们只是简单地想到一位母亲或者父亲、一位丈夫或者妻子、或者一个尚未出生的孩子就决定是时候挺身而出，就让他们有了这样的想法―为了我爱的人能够生活在幸福、安全和自由之中，我必须挺身而出投入战斗。‖

这种为国家服务的意识是美国整个国家所有的内涵。它引导着美利坚儿女加入军队服役，它在他们最困难的时候给予他们坚持下去的信念，它是我们国家安全的卫士。

大家都看到了，美国有着世界历史上最优秀的军队。我们有着最好的训练、最先进的技术、最周密的部署和最强大的武器。尽管这一切都毫无疑问是非常重要的，然而归根结底我们军队真正的力量去不在于此。

它在于美国军人的战斗精神。不管他们在抵挡消灭法西斯还是在韩国与越南为自由而战，解放科威特还是在巴尔干半岛阻止种族清洗，还是今日在我们国旗下光荣而勇敢地前进，不管他们是黑人、白人、拉丁裔、亚洲裔还是美国本地人，不管他们来自先前的军队家庭还是新近的移民家庭——他们的故事都诠释着同一个真理。

这并不是简单地由于他们的勇敢和坚持才履行他们的义务——不管代价如何——为了让美国变得更加安全，让世界变得更加自由。这并不是简单的只是我们最崇高理想中一个永不退缩的信念。在枪林弹雨的战争中，当他们自身的生命受到威胁时，他们考虑的是其他同伴的安危。他们冒着一切危险不仅希望拯救自己的生命，也更重要的是他们在拯救与他们并肩作战的战士们和陆海空三军将士。当他们离我们整个世界而去的时候——这是他们最后一次无私的奉献和服务——我们知道他们用自己的死换来了他们的兄弟姐妹和我们国家的生。

美国军队男女士兵并不仅仅因为他们的责任感、荣誉感和爱国热情而成为美国的英雄，更由于他们的宽广的心胸和无限的激情。

这就是今天我们所该纪念的东西。

奥利佛·文德尔·荷默斯曾经这样说道：―进行一场战争，你必须竭尽全力地相信某种东西并迫切希望得到它。‖我们所纪念的美利坚儿女就深信这一点。瑞恩·乔佩克军事长也深信这一点。瑞恩在不到几星期就要放假回家的时候自愿接受了一个去摩苏尔的任务，然而却有去无回。他的朋友还记得他那纯真的笑容，我记得瑞恩是因为我天天都戴着他母亲送给我的手镯。在他的名字旁边，有这么一句话：―所有人都付出了一些代价——他付出了所有。‖

这是一个鲜活的启示，让我们意识到作为一个美国人的义务，我们对待待瑞恩就应如同他对待我们大家那样，如同那些我有幸在瓦尔特·里德陆军医疗中心见到的受伤将士对待我们那样，如同那些在布利斯堡的将士和在伊拉克、阿富汗和世界各地的军队对待我们那样。这意味着我们打造一个21世纪的退伍军人事务部和一支21世纪军队具有同样的重要性。这意味着我们坚决不能容忍退伍军人在大街上睡觉的凄惨景象，意味着我们需要把那些在战争中被俘虏和失踪的人接回我们的国家，意味着我们要把退伍军人的墓地当作一片神圣的土地，同时禁止在他们的葬礼附近出现各种示威抗议。

但它也意味着一些更多的东西。它意味着我们需要认识到瑞恩和许多美国人并不是为了地图上的一个地点或者某一类人的利益而在战场上拼搏牺牲的。他们的牺牲是为了——他们付出一切是为了——一个更宏伟的理念——一个国

家可以依法治国而非以人治国，法律面前人人平等，人们拥有言论、写作和宗教信仰自由，拥有追求自身梦想的权利，同时也有义务帮助我们的国民来实现他们的梦想。

所以在今天，在所有的日子里，让我们通过这样的方式来缅怀为国捐躯的英雄们，让我们对所有穿军装的美利坚儿女致敬；让我们继承他们的事业去开创一个更加安全的美国，一个更加自由的世界。同时我们也开始履行自己的职责——无论是服役军人还是普通国民——用自己的努力去践行被数以万计的美国公民所奉为神圣的 ——美国理念。这是爱国主义的精华。这是今天整个神圣的日子给我们上的一课。这也是在我们每个人眼前的任务。愿主保佑你，愿主保佑美利坚合众国！

第三篇：奥巴马烈士纪念日演讲

On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes, our sense of patriotism is particularly strong.Because while we gather here under open skies, we know that far beyond the Organ Mountains – in the streets of Baghdad, and the outskirts of Kabul – America's sons and daughters are sacrificing on our behalf.And our thoughts and prayers are with them.I speak to you today with deep humility.My grandfather marched in Patton's Army, but I cannot know what it is to walk into battle like so many of you.My grandmother worked on a bomber assembly line, but I cannot know what it is for a family to sacrifice like so many of yours have.I am the father of two young girls, and I cannot imagine what it is to lose a child.My heart breaks for the families who've lost a loved one.These are things I cannot know.But there are also some things I do know.I know that our sadness today is mixed with pride;that those we've lost will be remembered by a grateful nation;and that our presence here today is only possible because your loved ones, America's patriots, were willing to give their lives to defend our nation.I know that while we may come from different places, cherish different traditions, and have different political beliefs, we all – every one of us – hold in reverence those who've given this country the full measure of their devotion.And I know that children in New Mexico and across this country look to your children, to your brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, and friends–to those we honor today–as a shining example of what's best about America.Their lives are a model for us all.What led these men and women to wear their country's uniform? What is it that leads anyone to put aside their own pursuit of life's comforts;to subordinate their own sense of survival, for something bigger – something greater?

Many of those we honor today were so young when they were killed.They had a whole life ahead of them–birthdays and weddings, holidays with children and grandchildren, homes and jobs and happiness of their own.And yet, at one moment or another, they felt the tug, just as generations of Americans did before them.Maybe it was a massacre in a Boston square;or a President's call to save the Union and free the slaves.Maybe it was

the day of infamy that awakened a nation to a storm in the Pacific and a madman's death march across Europe.Or maybe it was the morning they woke up to see our walls of security crumble along with our two largest towers.Whatever the moment was, when it came and they felt that tug, perhaps it was simply the thought of a mom or a dad, a husband or a wife, or a child not yet born that made this young American think that it was time to go;that made them think “I must serve so that the people I love can live–in happiness, and safety, and freedom.”

This sense of service is what America is all about.It is what leads Americans to enter the military.It is what sustains them in the most difficult hours.And it is the safeguard of our security.You see, America has the greatest military in the history of the world.We have the best training, the most advanced technology, the most sophisticated planning, and the most powerful weapons.And yet, in the end, though each of these things is absolutely critical, the true strength of our military lies someplace else.It lies in the spirit of America's servicemen and women.No matter whether they faced down fascism or fought for freedom in Korea and Vietnam;liberated Kuwait or stopped ethnic cleansing in the Balkans or serve brilliantly and bravely under our flag today;no matter whether they are black, white, Latino, Asian, or Native American;whether they come from old military families, or are recent immigrants – their stories tell the same truth.It is not simply their bravery, their insistence on doing their part – whatever the cost – to make America more secure and our world more free.It's not simply an unflinching belief in our highest ideals.It's that in the thick of battle, when their very survival is threatened, America's sons and daughters aren't thinking about themselves, they're thinking about one another;they're risking everything to save not their own lives, but the lives of their fellow soldiers and sailors, airmen and Marines.And when we lose them – in a final act of selflessness and service – we know that they died so that their brothers and sisters, so that our nation, might live.What makes America's servicemen and women heroes is not just their sense of duty, honor, and country;it's the bigness of their hearts and the breadth of their compassion.That is what we honor today.Oliver Wendell Holmes once remarked that “To fight out a war, you must believe something and want something with all your might.” The Americans we honor today believed.Sergeant Ryan Jopek believed.Ryan was just weeks away from coming home when he volunteered for a mission to Mosul from which he would never return.His friends remember his easy smile;I remember Ryan because of the bracelet his mother gave me that I wear every day.Next to his name, it reads: “All gave some–he gave all.”

It is a living reminder of our obligation as Americans to serve Ryan as well as he served us;as well as the wounded warriors I've had the honor of meeting at Walter Reed have served us;as well as the soldiers at Fort Bliss and the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world are serving us.That means giving the same priority to building a 21st century VA as to building a 21st century military.It means having zero tolerance for veterans sleeping on our streets.It means bringing home our POWs and MIAs.And it means treating the graves of veterans like the hallowed ground it is and banning protests near funerals.But it also means something more.It means understanding that what Ryan and so many Americans fought and died for is not a place on a map or a certain kind of people.What they sacrificed for –what they gave all for–is a larger idea–the idea that a nation can be governed by laws, not men;that we can be equal in the eyes of those laws;that we can be free to say what we want, write what we want, and worship as we please;that we can have the right to pursue our own dreams, but the obligation to help our fellow Americans pursue theirs.So on this day, of all days, let's memorialize our fallen heroes by honoring all who wear our country's uniform;and by completing their work to make America more secure and our world more free.But let's also do our part – service-member and civilian alike – to live up to the idea that so many of our fellow citizens have consecrated–the idea of America.That is the essence of patriotism.That is the lesson of this solemn day.And that is the task that lies ahead.May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

第四篇：奥巴马在父亲节讲话

奥巴马在父亲节讲话

“在我们建立我们生活所依附的岩石中，今天我们要记起来的是，最重要的岩石是家庭。我们须要认识到并予以肯定的是，每位父亲对这个基础能起多么关键的作用。父亲是教师和教练，他们是导师和生活角色的模范，是成功的榜样，亦是老推动我们走向成功的人。

“但如果我们坦诚的话，我们应该承认有太多的父亲不在其位——不在太多人的生活里，不在太多的家里。他们置他们的责任于不顾，表现得像小男孩而不是男子汉。我们许许多多家庭的基础也因此而变得更加薄弱了。

“你我都知道这种情况在非洲裔美国人的社会里多么真实。我们知道一半以上的黑人小孩住在单亲家庭里，这个数字比我们童年时代高出一倍。统计资料告诉我们：生活里没有父亲的孩子比较容易落入贫困或犯罪的可能性高出五倍；他们比较容易弃学的可能性高出九倍；比较容易关进监狱的可能性高出二十倍。他们比较可能出现行为问题，比较可能离家出走，比较可能成为青春发育年龄期父母。由于父亲的缺席，我们社会的基础变得更加薄弱。

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“但我们也需要家庭来抚育我们的子女。我们需要父亲们能认识到做父亲的责任并不终止于导致怀孕。我们需要他们认识到，不是有生孩子的能力，而是有抚养孩子的勇气才配称男子汉。

“我们需要帮助那些正在靠自己抚养孩子的母亲。她们送孩子上学，去上班，下午接孩子回家，再上一次班，做饭和准备午餐饭盒，付帐单，打点家务，以及种种需要双亲干的工作。许许多多的妇女正干着这些英勇伟大的工作，但她们需要支持啊。她们需要另一个家长。她们的孩子也需要另一个家长。唯有如此他们才有牢靠的基础，我们的国家也才有牢靠的基础。

“我知道身边没有一个父亲的苦处，当然我的处境没有像今天许多年轻人的处境那么不幸。虽然我的父亲在我两岁时就离开了我们，而我只从他所写的信和我家庭讲到他的故事中了解到他，但我比大多数无父的小孩都幸运。我在夏威夷长大，我有两个来自堪萨斯州的外祖父母，他们尽他们的一切帮我母亲抚养我和我妹妹，也帮她教导我们对人要有爱心、尊重和有责任感。我做错过许多不应做错的事，但我获得了许多改过自新的机会。虽然我们没有很多钱，但奖学金让我有机会上我们国家一些最好的学校。今天很多小孩未能获得这些机会。他们的生活中不容他们有犯错误而改过自新的机会。所以在这一点上我个人的故事与他们是不同的。

“尽管如此，我了解我母亲作为一个单亲所要付出的艰辛：有时候她吃力挣扎着清还账单；挣扎着给我们那些别的孩子有的东西；挣扎着扮演应该由双亲扮演的角色。我也知道因此我所要付出的艰辛。所以我多年前已下定决心要打破这个恶性循环——我下定决心，如果我一生中有何成就的话，我要作为我女儿的好父亲；如果我能给予她们任何东西的话，我要给她们那个她们能建立她们生活的岩石——那个基础。那将是我所能给予她们的最贵重的礼物。

“我在讲这些话时，我心里明白我是一个缺点多多的父亲——我知道我犯过错误并且将仍不断地犯更多错误；我希望我能比现在有更多时间在家陪伴我女儿和太太，可是又做不到。我心里明白这一切，因为纵然我们缺点多多，纵然我们困难重重，有某些教训是我们为父的应该尽可能地去亲历和总结的——不管我们是黑人或白人；富人或穷人；来自“南边”区（芝加哥南部较穷的住宅区）或来自富裕的郊区。

“第一个教训是给我们的子女做出一个绝佳的榜样，因为如果我们对他们抱有很高的期望，我们对自己也应该抱有同样高的期望。你有一个职业是件好事；有一个大学文凭更好一些。结了婚而又能跟孩子住在一起是再好不过了，但却不能只坐在家里而整个周末看电视的“体育中心”节目。许多孩子就是因为有这样的父亲而在电视机前成长起来的。作为父亲和家长，我们应该花更多时间在他们身上，帮他们完成作业，时不时让他们抛开电脑游戏或遥控器而捧上一本书。这就是我们要建立那个基础所应做的事。

“我们明白学校教育是孩子未来的关键。我们明白他们不再是只跟印地安那州的孩子竞争获取未来的好职业，而是跟印度、跟中国、跟世界各地的孩子竞争。我们明白为此所需的努力、学习和教育水平。

“你知道吗，有时候我去参加八年级（初中）毕业典礼，那里张灯结彩、花团锦簇、学生一个个礼服盛装。我在想，那只不过初中毕业呗。要想真正参与竞争，他们必须高中毕业，然后必须大学毕业，也许还得拿一张研究生文凭呢。在今天，只完成初中教育是竞争不过人的。让我们握一握他们的手，叫他们把屁股移到图书馆的座椅上吧！

“如果我们要把这种追求卓越的精神输进我们孩子脑里的话，就得靠作为父亲和家长的我们了。要靠我们告诉我们的女孩，别让你的自身价值被电视上的形象所操纵影响，因为我要你能做你最大的梦，去为之而奋斗。要靠我们告诉我们的男孩，收音机里的歌曲有美化暴力的可能，但在我家里我们的生活是为了美化成就、美化自尊、美化辛勤的劳动。让他们知道我们对他们抱有这些期望就全靠我们。这也就是说，我们自己也得达到这些期望的水平，我们在生活中也要做个追求卓越的榜样。

“第二个教训是，我们为父所应做的是传给我们孩子对人应有同感empathy的人生价值。不是同情，而是同感——即能设身处地地为人着想，将心比心；能透过别人的眼观世界。有时候我们是那么容易地执著于“我们”，而忘了我们相互之间所应承担的义务。我们的社会有这么一种文化（流行的看法），认为牢记我们相互之间所应承担的义务是一种软弱的表现，因此我们不应该对人表示关爱。

“但我们年轻的男孩女孩都会观察到这一切。他们会观察到你不理会或虐待你的妻子；会观察到你在家不为别人着想的表现；会观察到你的冷漠无情；会观察到你只为一己之私着想。所以，我们在学校或在街上会看到这些同样的行为表现是不足为奇的。这就是为什么我们必须以身作则来把同感和关爱这些人生价值传给我们的孩子。我们须要给他们做出这样的榜样——强者不是把别人击倒而是把别人扶起来，这才是强者。这就是我们为父的所应负起的责任。”

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接下去奥巴马谈到政府应如何帮助尽责的父亲和所应采取的措施。然后他接着说道： “我们应该采取这一切措施来为我们的孩子建立一个坚实的基础。但我们也必须明白，即使我们做到这一切，既使我们做父亲和家长的尽了我们的义务，即使华盛顿政府履其职责，我们在生活中仍然会碰到许多艰难的挑战。人将仍会有挣扎与痛苦的日子。风仍会在吹，雨仍会在打。

“因此最后我们为父的应总结的教训，也是我们可以传给我们孩子最贵重的礼物，就是希望这个礼物。

“我讲的希望不是空谈的希望——那种类似盲目的乐观主义或对问题不加考虑的盲干。我讲的希望是那种寄托于我们内心的精神——即坚信在逆境中我们只要愿意为之努力而奋斗，就会有更好的事在等待着我们。只要我们有这个信念啊。

“前一天我在威斯康星州的一个市政厅座谈会上回答问题。有一个年轻人举起手，我猜想他想问的是有关大学学费、能源问题或者也许有关伊拉克战争。但他不问这些，却很严肃地瞪着我问道：‘生活对你有何意义？’

“欸，我必须承认我对这个问题毫无准备。我当时开始回答得有点结巴，然后我停下来，想了一会儿就说道：

“我年轻的时候，我想到的生活就是关于我——我如何为自己在世界闯出一条路来，我如何取得成功，以及我如何获得我所要的东西。

“但现在，我的生活围绕着我的两个小女儿。我想到的是我要留给她们一个什么样的世界。她们应该生活在一个只有一小拨人富有而一大拨人为了生存而必须每天挣扎的国家吗？她们应该生活在一个依旧有种族歧视的国家吗？生活在一个由于她们是女孩而不能享有与男孩同样多机会的国家吗？她们应该生活在一个由于我们不能与其他国家有效地合作而被世人所讨厌的国家吗？她们应该生活在一个由于我们对气候所造成的不良影响而出现严重危机的世界吗？

“我所深刻认识到的是，你如果不愿意为我们的孩子——所有我们的孩子，作出一丁点贡献而留下一个更美好世界的话，生活就没有多大价值。哪怕这很困难，哪怕所要做的工作有多艰巨，哪怕在我们一生中所能做到的还远离目标甚远。

“这就是我们做父亲和做家长的最重大的责任。我们尝试，我们希望，我们尽力把我们的房子建在一个最坚实的岩石上。风吹雨打时，让风雨吹打房屋吧，我们坚信我们的主会领导我们，看着我们，保护着我们，带领着祂的孩子穿过暴风雨的极度黑暗而走向更美好未来的光明。这就是今天父亲节我为我们大家作的祈祷，也是我对我们国家将来所抱有的希望。原上帝保佑您和您们的孩子。谢谢大家。”

第五篇：2009年奥巴马独立纪念日献词

2009年奥巴马独立纪念日献词

Today, we are called upon to remember not only the day our country was born, but also the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible.We are called to remember how unlikely it was that our American experiment would succeed at all;that a small band of patriots would declare independence from a powerful empire;and that they would form, in the new world, what the old world had never known — a government of, by, and for the people.今天，我们受到这个日子的感召，不仅纪念我国诞生的那一天，而且需要继承建国初期美国公民不屈不饶的精神，是他们使这一天成为值得纪念的日子。我们应该记住，当年的这一切多么来之不易。我们进行创建美国的试验，结果获得了成功；为数不多的爱国者宣布独立，脱离了帝国强权的统治；他们还在新世界建立了旧世界不可思议的事物──民有、民治、民享的政府。That unyielding spirit is what defines us as Americans.It is what led generations of pioneers to blaze a westward trail.It is what led my grandparents’ generation to persevere in the face of a depression and triumph in the face of tyranny.It is what led generations of American workers to build an industrial economy unrivaled around the world.It is what has always led us, as a people, not to wilt or cower at a difficult moment, but to face down any trial and rise to any challenge, understanding that each of us has a hand in writing America's destiny.正是这种顽强的精神构筑了美国人的特征。正是这种精神指引一代又一代先驱者开拓西进之路。正是这种精神指引我们的祖祖辈辈，以坚韧不拔的毅力渡过了大萧条，战胜了专制暴政。正是这种精神指引世世代代的美国劳动者建成全世界无可比拟的工业经济。正是这种精神始终指引全体美国人民在时局艰难的时刻永不气馁，永不退缩，敢于经受任何考验，迎接任何挑战，因为我们知道美国的命运有待于我们每一个人为之努力。

On this day, we also remember that during our most defining moments, it was brave and selfless men and women in uniform who defended and served our country with honor — waging war so that we might know peace;braving hardship so that we might know opportunity;and at times, paying the ultimate price so that we might know freedom.This service — the service of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen — makes our annual celebration of this day possible.This service proves that our founding ideals remain just as powerful and alive in our third century as a nation as they did on the first July 4.This service guarantees that the United States of America shall forever remain the last, best hope on Earth.在这一天到来的时候，我们还不应该忘记，在我国最紧要的关头，勇敢无私的男女军人不辱使命，保卫我们的国家，忠心为国效力──为实现和平奔赴战场；为赢得机会不辞劳苦；有时还为捍卫自由付出极为高昂的代价。正因为他们为国效力──陆军、海军、空军、海军陆战队和海岸警卫队士兵做出的奉献，我们才有可能每年庆祝这个节日。这种为国效力的精神说明，在进入建国后第三个百年之际，我国的建国理想仍然长盛不衰，生气勃勃，永远保持第一个7月4日的活力。这种为国效力的精神保证美利坚合众国永远是地球上最后、最大的希望。

All of us must call on this spirit of service and sacrifice to meet the challenges of our time.We are waging two wars.We are battling a deep recession.Our economy — and our nation itself — are endangered by festering problems we have kicked down the road for far too long: spiraling health care costs, inadequate schools, and a dependence on foreign oil.Meeting these extraordinary challenges will require an extraordinary effort on the part of every American.It will require us to remember that we did not get to where we are as a nation by standing pat in a time of change.We did not get here by doing what was easy.That is not how a cluster of 13 colonies became the United States of America.为了迎接我们这个时代的挑战，我们大家都必须发扬这种为国效力和献身的精神。我们正在参与两场战争。同时我们也在抗击严重的衰退。我们长期拖延了旷日持久的问题：持续上升的医疗成本、学校设施的欠缺和对外国石油的依赖，导致问题日益恶化，我国经济以及国家本身正面临着危难。

this We are not a people who fear the future.We are a people who make it.On July 4, we need to summon once more the spirit that inhabited Independence Hall two hundred and thirty-three years ago today.我国人民敢于面对未来。我国人民敢于创造未来。在今年7月4日到来之际，我们必须再次振奋233年前独立厅(Independence Hall)凝聚的精神。

That is how this generation of Americans will make its mark on history.That is how we will make the most of this extraordinary moment.And that is how we will write the next chapter in the great American story.I wish you all the best for a happy Fourth of July.唯有如此，这一代美国人才能在历史上留下自己的印记。唯有如此，我们才能最有效地把握当前的重要关头。唯有如此，我们才能为伟大的美国历史书写新的篇章。我谨祝愿大家7月4日节日愉快。