While we await Friday's big inaugural event, it's worth remembering some of the more interesting (and sometimes amusing) quotes from previous inaugural speeches delivered by California governors in years gone by.

"We must not come here as Republicans or Democrats, or as the representatives of any political party, but as Californians." -- Gov. Frank Merriam, January 8, 1935

"No longer can we afford to stay on dead center, unresponsive and inert. I pledge a confident, pioneering leadership, ready to welcome growth, pursue its promise, and prepare for tomorrow." -- Gov. Pat Brown, January 5, 1959

"Let us always practice a rigid economy in the public disbursements, but with a generous embrace of whatever will tend to make wiser, better, and happier, the people." -- Gov. Leland Stanford, January 10, 1862

"We are America's future. This great, bold experiment on the Pacific is America's future." -- Gov. Gray Davis, January 4, 1999

"Education should not be confined to book learning, but should embrace good morals, unselfish citizenship, manual training, thrift and loyalty to national ideals." -- Gov. Friend Richardson, January 9, 1923

"For long after the rituals of inauguration fade from memory, each of us will be held accountable for the oath we take and the vision we offer." -- Gov. Pete Wilson, January 7, 1991

"This morning, I'm not going to give you a formalistic address. I just want to tell you what's on my mind." -- Gov. Jerry Brown, January 6, 1975