Republican presidential candidate U.S. Senator John McCain's announcement speech.
"I have the privilege of beginning my campaign with you here in New Hampshire, but I began this day as I began my career of service to our nation...in the company of United States Naval Academy midshipmen.
Whenever I see those young men and women, and think of their dedication and the purposeful careers on which they will soon embark, I am reminded of how lucky I was to have been one of them. So there is no more appropriate place for me to have begun this mission than Annapolis.
I do not announce my candidacy to satisfy my personal ambitions. My life has already been blessed more than I deserve.
I don't begin this mission with any sense of entitlement. America doesn't owe me anything. I am the son and grandson of Navy admirals, and I was born into America's service. It wasn't until I was deprived of her company that I fell in love with America. And it has been my honor to serve her and her great cause - freedom. I have never lived a day since that I wasn't thankful for the privilege.
It is because I owe America more than she has ever owed me that I am a candidate for President of the United States.
II want to be President to protect, until my life's end, our magnificent dream of freedom - God's great blessing to the world. And with your help I will.
Thank you."
