It is not easy to end these remarks.  In this Chamber, along with some of you, I have experienced many, many of the highlights of my life.  It was here that I stood 28 years ago with my freshman colleagues, as Speaker Sam Rayburn administered the oath.  I see some of you now—­Charlie Bennett, Dick Bolling, Carl Perkins, Pete Rodino, Harley Staggers, Tom Steed, Sid Yates, Clem Zablocki-and I remember those who have gone to their rest.  It was here we waged many, many a lively battle—­won some, lost some, but always remaining friends.  It was here, surrounded by such friends, that the distinguished Chief Justice swore me in as Vice President on December 6, 1973.  It was here I returned 8 months later as your President to ask not for a honeymoon, but for a good marriage.

I will always treasure those memories and your many, many kindnesses.  I thank you for them all.

My fellow Americans, I once asked you for your prayers, and now I give you mine:  May God guide this wonderful country, its people, and those they have chosen to lead them.  May our third century be illuminated by liberty and blessed with brotherhood, so that we and all who come after us may be the humble servants of thy peace.  Amen.

Good night.  God bless you.

***

State of the Union Address
Jimmy Carter
January 19, 1978

Two years ago today we had the first caucus in Iowa, and one year ago tomorrow, I walked from here to the White House to take up the duties of President of the United States.  I didn’t know it then when I walked, but I’ve been trying to save energy ever since.

I return tonight to fulfill one of those duties of the Constitution:  to give to the Congress, and to the Nation, information on the state of the Union.

Militarily, politically, economically, and in spirit, the state of our Union is sound.

We are a great country, a strong country, a vital and dynamic country, and so we will remain.

We are a confident people and a hardworking people, a decent and a compassionate people, and so we will remain.

I want to speak to you tonight about where we are and where we must go, about what we have done and what we must do.  And I want to pledge to you my best efforts and ask you to pledge yours.

Each generation of Americans has to face circumstances not of its own choosing, but by which its character is measured and its spirit is tested.

There are times of emergency, when a nation and its leaders must bring their energies to bear on a single urgent task.  That was the duty Abraham Lincoln faced when our land was torn apart by conflict in the War Between the States.  That was the duty faced by Franklin Roosevelt when he led America out of an economic depression and again when he led America to victory in war.

There are other times when there is no single overwhelming crisis, yet profound national interests are at stake.