In case you missed it over the weekend, Gov. Bill Lee was inaugurated to his second term as Tennessee’s 50th governor on Saturday. Here are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Thank you to every person here – for being here today to celebrate our great state and her rich history.

Lt. Governor McNally, Speaker Sexton, members of the General Assembly, constitutional officers, Justices of the Court, members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation, Governor Dunn, Governor Alexander, Governor Bredesen, Governor Haslam, members of the cabinet, members of our staff…

My family, of whom there are many here today, some from far away… My friends and fellow Tennesseans. Thank you, not only for being here, but for who you are and what you do to make this the greatest state in the greatest country in the world.

Tennessee reminds people in this country that America hasn’t lost her way. That idea is reflected by every person here today, and it’s why our state motto – America at its Best – adopted many years ago, is so appropriate, especially today. Tennessee is leading the nation, and it’s good that we reflect on that and celebrate it.

But before I go on, there is one more person I want to acknowledge – someone who embodies the Volunteer Spirit of the people of our state with courage, strength and service. These last few months have been hard on our family, but God is faithful. Maria and I have cherished your prayers for healing. We are grateful for everyone who has supported us, and I’m grateful she’s here today – my wife and our First Lady, Maria Lee.

While Maria and I are in a time of struggle, we know that we are not alone in these hardships. In fact, the last four years have brought unexpected challenges to many of us in this state – floods, wildfires, a pandemic, tornadoes, even a bombing on Christmas morning – in addition to personal challenges you could be facing right now that your fellow Tennesseans don’t even know about. It doesn’t take away the tragedy, difficulty or fear, but in times of struggle, we can find great hope.

We saw that when Tennesseans converged on the Cumberland Plateau to help their neighbors after those devastating tornadoes. We saw that when six brave police officers put their very lives on the line to protect their fellow man from that bomb on Christmas morning. We saw that in Waverly. I was there the day after the floods, and wept with, prayed with and embraced people who had lost everything, even their loved ones.

Maria was there a few days later to help clean up homes that had been reduced to rubble. For Waverly, that is clearly part of the story – tragedy, difficulty, and fear. But I was also there one year later, as the community gathered in remembrance of all those lost. Once again, we wept, prayed and embraced, but this time, something was different. We also recognized the remarkable transformation that occurred in that community over the past year. It was a stark picture of redemption and hope. Quite frankly, it’s a picture of Tennessee since our founding.