| Truman Takes Oath Of Office (aka PRES TRUMAN INAUGURATED) | ||
|---|---|---|
| This clip is not available for streaming at this time. Please contact WPA. | Tape Master: | 1538 |
| Catalog #: | 362656 | |
| Clip Number: | 362656-3 | |
| Orginal Film: | 022-215-01 | |
| Timecode: | 00:02:37 - 00:08:01 | |
| Location: | Washington, DC | |
| Year Shot: | 1949 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | No | |
| Headings: | ELECTIONS: Inaugurations LOCATIONS/NORTH AMERICA: USA, Washington D.C. PERSONALITIES: Truman, Harry | |
| Description: | In a dramatic acceptance speech, the president pledges himself to a crusade for peace and goes on to denounce the forces of communism for blocking world recovery and imperiling peace-following the ceremony, pres. Truman: I accept with humility the honor which the American people have conferred upon me. I accept it with the resolve to do all that I can for the welfare of this nation and for the peace of the world. In performing the duties of my office, I need the help and the prayers of every one of you. I ask for your encouragement and for your support. The tasks we face are difficult. We can accomplish them only if we work together. It is fitting therefore that we take this occasion to proclaim to the world the essential principles of faith by which we live and to declare our aims... (audio cuts out) ... in the pursuit of these aims the United States and other like-minded nations find themselves directly opposed by a regime of contrary aims and a totally different concept of life. That regime adheres to a false philosophy which purports to offer freedom, security & greater opportunity to mankind. Mislead by that philosophy many peoples have sacrificed their liberties only to learn to their sorrow, that deceit and mockery, poverty and tyranny are their rewards. That false philosophy is communism. Communism is based on the belief that man is so weak and inadequate that he is unable to govern himself and therefore requires a rule of strong masters. Democracy is based on the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity as well as the inalienable right to govern himself with ... (speech cuts out) ... inniative is ours. We're moving on with other nations to build even a stronger structure of international order and justice. We shall have as our partners countries which no longer solely concerned with the problem of national survival, are now working to improve the standards of living of all their people. We are ready to undertake new projects to strengthen a free world. (audio missing) ... steadfast in our faith in the Almighty, we will advance toward a world where a man's freedom is secure. To that end we will devote our strength, our resources, and our firmness of resolve. With God's help, the future of mankind will be assured in a world of justice, harmony, and peace. Shots of the crowds at the inauguration. Truman waves top crowds from an open car. Truman rides in triumph down Pennsylvania avenue, at the head of the greatest parade in Washington’s History. War planes roar overhead, as millions watch spectacular review of troops and gala floats. | |


