Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
February 14, 2016
February 12, 2016
January 31, 2016
November 25, 2015
October 1, 2015
March 13, 2015
December 9, 2014
January 25, 2014
April 28, 2013
February 22, 2013
November 14, 2012
November 7, 2012
November 5, 2012
September 11, 2012
11 Years Later
This week, we mark the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks. It’s a time to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children we lost, and the families they left behind. It’s a chance to honor the courage of the first responders who risked their lives – on that day, and every day since. And it’s an opportunity to give thanks for our men and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed, sometimes far from home, to keep our country safe.
This anniversary is about them. It’s also a time to reflect on just how far we’ve come as a nation these past eleven years.
On that clear September morning, as America watched the towers fall, and the Pentagon burn, and the wreckage smoldering in a Pennsylvania field, we were filled with questions. Where had the attacks come from, and how would America respond? Would they fundamentally weaken the country we love? Would they change who we are?
We took the fight to al Qaeda, decimated their leadership, and put them on a path to defeat. And thanks to the courage and skill of our intelligence personnel and armed forces, Osama bin Laden will never threaten America again.
Instead of pulling back from the world, we’ve strengthened our alliances while improving our security here at home. As Americans, we refuse to live in fear. Today, a new tower rises above the New York skyline. And our country is stronger, safer and more respected in the world.
Instead of turning on each other, we’ve resisted the temptation to give in to mistrust and suspicion. I have always said that America is at war with al Qaeda and its affiliates – and we will never be at war with Islam or any other religion. We are the United States of America. Our freedom and diversity make us unique, and they will always be central to who we are as a nation.
Instead of changing who we are, the attacks have brought out the best in the American people. More than 5 million members of the 9/11 Generation have worn America’s uniform over the past decade, and we’ve seen an outpouring of goodwill towards our military, veterans, and their families. Together, they’ve done everything we’ve asked of them. We’ve ended the war in Iraq and brought our troops home. We brought an end to the Taliban regime. We’ve trained Afghan Security Forces, and forged a partnership with a new Afghan Government. And by the end 2014, the transition in Afghanistan will be complete and our war there will be over.
And finally, instead of turning inward with grief, we’ve honored the memory of those we lost by giving back to our communities, serving those in need, and reaffirming the values at the heart of who we are as a people. That’s why we mark September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Because we are one American family. And we look out for each other – not just on the difficult days, but every day.
Eleven years later, that’s the legacy of 9/11 – the ability to say with confidence that no adversary and no act of terrorism can change who we are. We are Americans, and we will protect and preserve this country we love. On this solemn anniversary, let’s remember those we lost, let us reaffirm the values they stood for, and let us keep moving forward as one nation and one people.
May 1, 2011
October 19, 2010
DVR Alert: Broadway At The White House
I've posted this video previously (click here) of the President welcoming guests to A Broadway Celebration: In Performance at the White House. The event was held July 19, 2010 but will now be broadcast on PBS this Wednesday (10/20) at 9 pm ET. Perfomers included Montego Glover, Brian D'Arcy James, Idina Menzel, Elaine Stritch and Audra McDonald to name a few. For a full list of performers and songs, please click here.
July 21, 2010
Music That Shaped America
Last Monday night, 7/19, the White House hosted an evening of Broadway with some of the most talented actors from NYC. It's part of the White House series which salute the music that shaped America. The series has previously featured jazz, classical and country music. The event last Monday featured Nathan Lane, Audra Mcdonald, Idina Menzel, Elaine Stritch, Chad Kimbal, Brian D'Arcy James, Tonya Pinkins and Karen Olivo. It was also streamed live online in various theatre websites such as Broadwayworld and Theatremania. If you're like me who missed the broadcast, it will be re-aired on PBS channels at 9pm ET on Oct. 20, 2010 as part of the PBS music series: In Performance At The White House.
Above is the speech of President Obama welcoming the guests and thanking the performers. I am so elated that he gave special tribute to Broadway and this special art form. The following excerpt from his speech couldn't be anymore true:
"In many ways, the story of Broadway is also intertwined with the story if America. Some of the greatest singers and songwriters Broadway has ever known came to this country on a boat with nothing more than an idea in their head and a song in their heart. And they succeeded the same way that so many immigrants have succeeded -– through talent and hard work and sheer determination.
Over the years, musicals have also been at the forefront of our social consciousness, challenging stereotypes, shaping our opinions about race and religion, death and disease, power and politics.
But perhaps the most American part of this truly American art form is its optimism. Broadway music calls us to see the best in ourselves and in the world around us -– to believe that no matter how hopeless things may seem, the nice guy can still get the girl, the hero can still triumph over evil, and a brighter day can be waiting just around the bend."
April 1, 2009
Getting To Know You
With the G 20 meeting in London, President Barack Obama met with the Queen of England for the first time today. The President presented her with a gift.......an Ipod loaded with 40 Broadway showtunes! And yes.....it included Seasons of Love! He also gave her a rare songbook by Richard Rodgers personally signed by him. Does that mean the Queen is a theatre geek too? And the ipod......will it now be called the Royal Ipod?
Read more about it from the Daily Telegraph.
January 20, 2009
Promise of a New Day
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."Congratulations and good luck to President Barack Hussein Obama! God bless you and these United States of America.
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