美國當地時間15日晚8時(北京時間16日上午9時)，美國總統布什在白宮發表最後告別演說。據白宮官員透露，演說總長13分鍾，共5頁，布什稱自己的總統任期為“在危機中取得重大成就”的時期。
Bush's farewell speech: "This great nation will never tire, never falter, and never fail." 1 of 2
Bush's farewell speech: "This great nation will never tire, never falter, and never fail." 2 of 2
中英全文對照
Text of President Bush's farewell address
Fellow citizens: For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence - a time set apart. Tonight, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey we have traveled together and the future of our Nation.
各位同胞：在過去的八年間作為你們的總統，是我的榮幸。新世紀的第一個十年，是重要的十年——一個與眾不同的十年。今晚，懷著感恩之心，請允許我在這最後的機會分享一些想法，一些有關總統曆程和國家未來的想法。
Five days from now, the world will witness the vitality of American democracy. In a tradition dating back to our founding, the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you, the American people. Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole Nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.
五天之後，世界將目擊美國民主的一個重要時刻。按照建國伊始的傳統，總統之職將傳遞給由你們——美國人民選擇的繼任者。這位即將站在國會台階上的人，他的故事正彰顯了我們這塊土地所延續的承諾。對我們整個國家來說，這是一個充滿希望與自豪的時刻。我與全體美國人民一道，對候任總統奧巴馬、他的妻子米歇爾和他們那一雙美麗的女兒，致以最美好的祝願。
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.
今晚，讓我表達對副總統切尼和內閣成員的感激之情；我還要感謝勞拉，是你為我們的家庭帶來歡樂，為我的生活帶來愛；還要感謝我們的女兒，芭芭拉和詹納；以及我的父母――是他們的榜樣為我提供了一生的力量。而最重要的，我要感謝你們――美國人民，感謝你們給予我的信任。感謝你們的祈禱，它振奮著我的靈魂。感謝在過去八年間我所見證過的，無以計數的勇氣、慷慨、和仁愛。
This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house - September 11, 2001. That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock. I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon and to hu*****ands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93. I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son's police shield as a reminder of all that was lost. And I still carry his badge.
今晚，我的思緒回到2001年9月11日，我第一次在這裏向全國發表講話。那個早上，恐怖分子在那次自珍珠港事件以來，美國所遭受過的最嚴重的襲擊中奪去了近3000名美國人民的生命。我記得三天後，我站在世貿中心的廢墟之中，身邊是加班加點連續作戰的救援人員。我記得與那些穿越五角大樓濃煙的勇士們的對話，以及與93航班上殉難英雄們的妻子或丈夫們的交談。我記得艾琳-霍華德。她把她逝去的兒子的警徽送給我。那個警徽是對失去的所有記憶――我至今仍然隨身攜帶。
As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation. And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.
隨著時間的逝去，大多數美國人能夠恢複到9.11之前的正常生活中去。但我不能。每天早上，我都會收到一份對我國威脅狀況的簡報。我發誓盡我的一切力量保衛美國的安全。
Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military, the intelligence community, and the FBI have been transformed. Our Nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them. Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.
在過去的七年間，一個新的部門——國土安全部成立了。軍隊、情報部門、FBI都發生了改觀。我們的國家掌握了新的手段來監視恐怖分子的活動、凍結他們的財務、打破他們的圖謀。而有堅強的盟友與我們一道，我們對恐怖分子和他們的支持者宣戰。阿富汗，從一個塔利班袒護基地組織、婦女當街遭亂石致死的國家，轉變為一個對抗恐怖主義、支持女孩子們走進校門的年輕民主國家。伊拉克從一個殘酷的獨裁國家、美國的宿敵，轉變為位於中東心髒的阿拉伯民主國家，和美國的朋友。
There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil day and night to keep us safe - law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
對於這些決策進行辯論是完全合理的，但其結果是不可辯駁的。在過去的七年間沒有發生一起在美國土地上的恐怖襲擊活動。這是那些夜以繼日保障我們安全者的功勞——執法官員、情報分析員、國土安全與外交人士，和美國武裝部隊中服役的男女士兵。
Our Nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger. I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families. America owes you a debt of gratitude. And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander in Chief.
這些在危難時誌願保衛我們國家的公民是美國之福。我記憶中珍藏著與這些無私的愛國者，以及他們的家人的見麵的情景。美國感謝你們。對於今晚正在收聽講話的部隊中的男女士兵，我要說：沒有比作為你們的最高統帥更榮耀的事了。
The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.
我們的戰士所進行的戰爭，在廣義上，是這樣兩個截然不同的體係間的鬥爭。在一個體係中，是一小撮狂熱分子，追求對一種壓迫性的意識形態的絕對服從；女性隻能屈從附屬；異教徒遭到謀殺。而另一個係統是基於這樣的信念：自由是全能的上帝賜予我們的普世禮物；自由與公證將點亮通往和平之路。
This is the belief that gave birth to our Nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We are standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations.
我們的國家正是誕生於這樣的信仰之中。而從長遠來看，隻有發揚這樣的信仰，才能實實在在保護我們公民的安全。當人們生活在自由中，他們不會去選擇那些發動恐怖戰爭的領袖。當人們對未來充滿希望時，他們不會令生活向暴力與極端主義俯首。因此在世界範圍內，美國推崇人類自由、人權與尊嚴。我們與持不同政見者和年輕的民主力量並肩作戰；我們提供艾滋病藥品挽救垂危的病人；我們挽救患瘧疾的母親與嬰兒。我們這個與自由共同降生的偉大共和國，正引領世界走向一個自由屬於所有國家的新時代。
For eight years, we have also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America's air, water, and lands are measurably cleaner. And the Federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.
在過去的八年間，我們還努力在美國本土擴展機會和希望。在美國各地，公立學校的學生們獲得提升，達到更高的標準。一個新的醫療福利計劃讓老年人和殘障人士無後顧之憂。每位納稅人的所得稅更低。癮君子與其他處在痛苦中的人士從基於信仰的組織中找到新希望。人類脆弱的生命獲得了更好的保護。安置退伍老兵的資金幾乎倍增。美國的空氣、水與土地更清潔。睿智的新法官，如山姆-阿利托法官和約翰-羅伯茨首席法官加入聯邦法院。
When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America's free enterprise system.
當影響美國繁榮的挑戰出現時，我們直麵之。當麵對金融崩潰的前景時，我們采取果斷措施，保衛我們的經濟。對於那些努力工作的家庭來說，這一時刻相當艱難。但如果我們不采取任何行動的話，情況會糟糕得多。對此，全美國凝聚在一起。信念、苦幹和團結，將讓我們把經濟重新帶回增長的軌道。我們會再次向世界展示美國自由企業係統的韌性。
Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.
如同所有我的前任一樣，我也經曆過挫折。如果還能有機會，有些事我會做出不同的選擇。然而，我始終是以我們國家的利益為考慮標準。我跟隨良知的指引，做我認為正確的選擇。你可能不同意我曾經做出的一些強硬的決定。但是我希望你能相信，那是出自我的真實意願。
The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.
未來的十年裏，我們將麵臨更多的艱難抉擇，我們應該有一些原則來決定我們的方針政策。
While our Nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.
雖然我們的國家比七年前更加安全，但恐怖襲擊依然是我們麵臨的最大威脅。我們的敵人極富耐心地等待下一次襲擊。美國人本不應該承受這種災難。但是我們有責任，也必須去麵對這些威脅。我們要避免自滿，我們要堅定決心，我們決不能放鬆警惕。
At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.
同時，我們還應該繼續懷著自信和清晰的目標來參與世界各地的事務。麵對來自外麵的威脅，人們很容易畏縮不前。但是我們必須杜絕孤立主義和保護主義，閉門造車無異於玩火自焚。在21世紀裏，一個國家的穩定和繁榮，取決於整個世界的自由進程。如果美國不能引導自由，那就沒有人可以做到。
As we address these challenges - and others we cannot foresee tonight - America must maintain our moral clarity. I have often spoken to you about good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace.
當我們談論這些問題的時候——還有那些我們今晚無法預測的問題——美國人必須保持明確的道德性。我曾經無數次地跟你們討論過善與惡。這個話題可能過於沉重，但世界上的確是善惡並存，並且沒有妥協。依靠殘害無辜來推進意識形態在任何時候、任何地方都是錯誤的。將人們從壓迫和絕望中解救出來才是正確的。這個國家必須繼續宣揚真理和正義。我們要繼續堅持推進和平。
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.
托馬斯·傑斐遜總統曾經寫道：“我不緬懷過去的曆史，而致力於未來的夢想。”當我要離開兩個世紀前他住過的這座建築的時候，我希望能夠與你們分享這種樂觀。美國是個年輕的國家，充滿活力，不斷成長，不斷創新。即使在最艱難的時刻，我們仍昂首望著遠方。
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.
我對美國的承諾充滿信心，因為我知道美國人的精神。這是一個能夠激勵移民冒所有的風險來追求自由的國家。這是一個人民在危機中仍保持鎮靜，在痛苦中仍懷有同情的國家。我們周圍都是這樣的人。今晚，勞拉和我邀請了一些人來白宮加入我們。
We see America's character in Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina. We see it in Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society. We see it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.
我們在托尼·雷卡斯納爾博士身上看到了美國精神，他在卡特裏娜颶風的廢墟中建立起一座嶄新的學校。我們在胡裏奧·梅迪納身上看到了美國精神，他出獄後懷著信仰，領導了一個幫助犯人重返社會的幫助計劃。我們在奧布裏·麥克戴德身上看到了美國精神，他在伊拉克勇闖敵陣就出了三個戰友。
We see America's character in Bill Krissoff, a surgeon from California. His son Nathan, a Marine, gave his life in Iraq. When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. This good man was 60 years old - 18 years above the age limit. But his petition for a waiver was granted, and for the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine. Lieutenant Commander Krissoff could not be here tonight, because he will soon deploy to Iraq, where he will help save America's wounded warriors and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.
我們在比爾·克裏索夫身上看到了美國精神，這位來自加利福尼亞的外科醫生，他的兒子犧牲在了伊拉克的戰場。當我見到克裏索夫醫生和他的家人時，他告訴我一個令人驚異的消息：為了紀念他的兒子，他希望加入海軍醫療隊。這位老人已經60歲了——比參軍年齡上限大了整整18歲。但是他的請求被允許了，過去幾年裏他一直在戰地醫院接受培訓。克裏索夫海軍少校今天無法來到現場，因為他馬上就要開赴伊拉克，在那裏，他將幫助受傷的勇士們，並以此來紀念他的兒子。
In citizens like these, we see the best of our country - resilient and hopeful, caring and strong. These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial, and there is more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great Nation will never tire … never falter … and never fail.
在這些美國人的身上，我們看到了我們國家的精髓——百折不撓而又充滿希望，心存善良而又生性堅強。這些美德使得我對美國的信心不可動搖。我們經曆了危機與考驗，而前方還會有諸多凶險。但是有了我們的勇氣和信念，這個偉大的國家將不知疲倦……毫不猶豫……永不言敗。
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.
我很榮幸有生之年能夠成為總統，我體會過快樂，也經曆過艱難。但是每天我都為這個偉大的國家和善良的人民所振奮。我非常幸運地能夠代表這個我們深愛的國家。我將永遠為這個對我意味著更多的頭銜而感到驕傲：美利堅合眾國公民。
And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country.
所以，美國人民，在這最後的時刻：晚安。願上帝保佑下一任總統。願上帝保佑我們和這個美麗的國家。
