Our founders came on the Mayflower, the Arabella and the early clipper ships. But there were other boats, too. I am descended from people once forbidden their most basic and fundamental freedoms, a people desperate for a reason to hope and willing to fight for it. And so are you . . . This commonwealth – and the nation modeled on it – is at its best when we show we understand a faith in what’s possible and the willingness to work for it.”
— Deval Patrick, Inaugural speech as governor of Massachusetts, Jan. 4, 2007