“[T]his is truly a great country. When true to ourselves we are unmatched. In the words of Irving Berlin, God bless America!”

“We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances. We are profoundly grateful to our Commander-in-Chief and to our nation for this day. God bless America.”

Jeremiah Denton (1924–2014) American Vietnam War POW and politician

“Our great string of successes had married my vision to his unmatched aptitude for business.”

Paul Allen (1953–2018) American inventor, investor and philanthropist

“He is truly great that is great in charity. He is truly great that is little in himself, and maketh no account of any height of honor. And he is truly learned that doeth the will of God, and forsaketh his own will.”

Thomas à Kempis (1380–1471) German canon regular

“At the penultimate moment, his words, his only ones, words wholly unobstructed in the utterance were these — "God bless Captain Vere!"”

Herman Melville book Billy Budd, Sailor

“Having someone who understands is a great blessing for ourselves. Being someone who understands is a great blessing to others.”

Janette Oke (1935) Canadian writer

“We in America have been very fortunate. We've been blessed with a wonderful country and everything and wonderful resources.”

Rick Rescorla (1939–2001) War hero, victim and hero of 9/11

“When we make a habit of prayer, we stay constantly tuned to God's presence and open to receive his blessings.”

Bill Hybels (1951) American writer

“We've done our part. And as I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan revolution, the men and women across America who for eight years did the work that brought America back. My friends: We did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger. We made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all. And so, good-bye, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.”

Ronald Reagan (1911–2004) American politician, 40th president of the United States (in office from 1981 to 1989)

“As we ask God for some blessing, we have an obligation to participate ourselves in the fulfillment of those dreams, aspirations, hopes, and ideas.”

Jimmy Carter (1924) American politician, 39th president of the United States (in office from 1977 to 1981)