Following is the complete text of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s inaugural address (as provided on his web site), given at Abravanel Hall Monday.

In my remarks I cannot hope to match the beauty of voice we have just heard but I do hope to draw from the inspiration of today's music to share some thoughts with you about the future of the state I love.

First, however, I wish to thank our Inaugural Committee and the National Guard and Reserves, under General Tarbet's leadership. The Guard has never been stretched this thin in the history of our state and we honor their service in particular today. To our men and women in uniform we offer our most heartfelt gratitude.

For me, this day is both exciting and humbling-humbling because today I assume an office that has been held by so many great leaders who have gone before me. I will strive to the best of my ability to always remember the lessons and contributions of our former governors.

I particularly will remember the help that Governor Walker provided to make this such an efficient transition. Thank you for your years of service to a grateful state.

Most importantly, I want to acknowledge my wife Mary Kaye, our six children, and all of my family here today. Thank you for believing in me and seeing me through to this day. I love you all very much.

If I had listened to my mother as a young boy and paid more attention to music lessons, I might now have my back to you conducting Rachmaninoff's 3rd Concerto with the Utah Symphony. But like the great Maestro Abravanel, after whom this magnificent building is aptly named, I now have a similar — some would say sacred — obligation to conduct a different symphony — one with many voices and competing interests — that is performed by the most unique orchestra this world has ever known — American Democracy.

As Governor, I will work to ensure as Maestro Abravanel did that there is balance among the sections: the brass, the percussion, the strings of this orchestra that is our ever-growing and complex society.

To those who have grown tired and cynical, to those of the emerging generation who think political activism is extinct, I stand before you in the pure spirit of public service — not as a protector of the status quo, but as an agent of change. I stand before you with a burning desire to prove an often forgotten point — that public service is noble, honorable, and in need of greater trust and confidence by you.

Our system relies on each succeeding generation making a sacrifice in the name of service. As a newcomer to elected politics, I ask for your confidence, I ask for your goodwill, I ask for your friendship and your ideas. Will I make mistakes along the way? Unquestionably. Will I occasionally need forgiveness and understanding? Absolutely. What I can promise each of you is my very best.