How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph.Sentence)
Quote #4
This is the source of our confidence—the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall. (29.3)
Oh, hey, it's God again. Obama goes very old school here with rhetoric that evokes the idea that America is inherently special, perhaps courtesy of the big guy upstairs. But he only takes this old-school trope so far, and instead of going full 1840s Manifest Destiny, Obama takes a decidedly modern tack, again referencing America's religious diversity as a major strength. And did we mention there's a big party on the National Mall right now? People of all genders, ages, races, and faiths are welcome.
Quote #5
Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations. (32.3)
This is Obama's whole speech in one sentence. He encourages average people, maybe people who have lost their jobs or homes, to have faith that God wants America to succeed. Even when it looks like times are tough, he says, the American people need to look forward, so that future generations can experience the awesome stuff about America.