Melania Trump On Farewell Speech: ‘It’s Been The Greatest Honor Of My Life To Serve As First Lady Of The United States”
First Lady Melania Trump delivered her farewell message on Monday as President Donald Trump’s term winds to an end this week with the inauguration of Democrat Joe Biden on January 20.
Mrs. Trump — America’s first immigrant First Lady — recounted her many experiences as First Lady over the last four years and sent a message of hope and encouragement to the American public while slamming violence as unacceptable and “something that will never be justified.”
“My fellow Americans, it has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as First Lady of the United States. I have been inspired by incredible Americans across our country who lift up our communities through their kindness and courage, goodness and grace,” Melania Trump said in her speech Monday citing her many experience meeting Americans from all walks of life — from soldiers, children in hospitals, mothers battling opioid addiction, and medical workers, among others.
“The past four years have been unforgettable. As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination.”
“When I think about these meaningful experiences, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to represent a nation with such kind and generous people,” she said.
Mrs. Trump went on to highlight the resilience of Americans amidst all the challenges of the past years, and thanked essential workers in particular for being in the frontlines in the country’s fight against the coronavirus.
“As the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, I thank all the nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals, manufacturing workers, truck drivers, and so many others who are working to save lives. We grieve for the families who have lost a loved one due to the pandemic. Every life is precious, and I ask all Americans to use caution and common sense to protect the vulnerable as millions of vaccines are now being delivered,” she added. “In the midst of this hardship, we have seen the best of America shine through.”
Melania Trump: “Be passionate in everything that you do”
The Republican First Lady, who was recently voted as America’s third ‘Most Admired Woman’ went on to encourage Americans to “be passionate” and for parents to “keep supporting their children succeed” as she highlighted the achievements of her anti-bullying campaign “Be Best”over the past years.
“When I came to the White House, I reflected on the responsibility I have always felt as a mother to encourage, give strength, and teach values of kindness. It is our duty as adults and parents to ensure that children have the best opportunities to lead fulfilling and healthy lives,” Mrs. Trump said in her speech.
“The passion for helping children succeed would drive my policy initiative as First Lady,” she continued.
“Be passionate in everything you do but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified.”
Melania Trump went on to say that in a few short years, the campaign did its best “to ensure that we as Americans are doing everything we can to take care of the next generation” — noting its focus on well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse and citing the incredible progress on the country’s drug epidemic.
“As I say farewell to my role as First Lady, it is my sincere hope that every American will do their part to teach our children what it means to ‘Be Best.’ I ask parents to educate your children about the courageous and selfless heroes who worked and sacrificed to make this country the land of the free. And to lead by example and care for others in your community,” Mrs. Trump said.
“In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us. To rise above what divides us. To always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself,” she added.
“Together, as one national family, we can continue to be the light of hope for future generations and carry on America’s legacy of raising our nation to greater heights through our spirit of courage, goodness and faith,” she said.
“No words can express the depth of my gratitude for the privilege of having served as your First Lady. To all the people of this country: You will be in my heart forever. Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.”
