【百度文库-3分钟经典英语演讲】感恩与希望-小布什

感恩与希望

2009年布什告别演讲（节选）

小布什精益求精的演讲历来被认为是学习英文的好材料。他的演讲独具风格，与以前的总统有着明显的不同，除了拥有优秀的演讲技术之外，他喜欢用短小精炼的词语，而且喜欢在演讲中包涵某种道德主题，提出黑白分明的选择。有人说，布什的演讲是一种精美的艺术品，总是给你留下异常深刻的印象。

美国当地时间2009年1月15日晚8时，第43任总统布什在白宫发表最后告别演说。在演讲中，他声称，八年的总统生涯，是美国人民赋予自己的荣耀，在告别之际，依然带着一颗感恩的心。以下是此次演讲的节选。

Tonight I am filled with gratitude - to Vice President Cheney and members of the Administration; to Laura, who brought joy to this house and love to my life; to

our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna; to my parents, whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime. And above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me. I thank you for the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years.

今天，我满怀感激之情，感谢我的副总统切尼以及我所有的政府成员。我还要感谢我的妻子劳拉和我的女儿芭芭拉，詹娜，是她们给我的生活带来了无尽的快乐和爱意。我感谢我的父母，是他们给予了我前进的动力。最重要的是，我感谢美国人民给予我的信任，我感谢你们给予我的勇气、宽容。

President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, \"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.\" As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism. America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.

托马斯-杰斐逊曾写到：“相比于过去的历史，我更喜欢未来的梦想。”随着我马上要离开白宫，我赞同杰斐逊这样的乐观精神。美国是一个年轻的国家，充满了活力，不断发展与更新。即便在最艰难的时候，美国仍然没有放弃对未来的梦想。

I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a Nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a Nation where citizens show calm in times of danger and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America's character all around us. And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening.

我了解我们民族的特质，因此我也相信美国的明天会更美好。这是一个鼓励移民们为自由的梦想而去尝试一切事情的国家，这是一个在面对危险使仍然镇定的国家，这是一个面对苦难仍抱有同情心的国家。我们在身边的每一个人身上都可以看到美国的特征。今晚，受我和夫人劳拉的邀请，一些代表也来到了白宫。

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this Nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other: citizen of the United States of America.

对我来说，能够担任你们的总统，是我一生的荣耀。我有过欢乐也有过困苦。但是，每天我都会受到伟大祖国的鼓舞，并且我也一直在为我们的国家祈祷。在以后的时光里，我会永远珍视这样一段话：美利坚合众国的公民。