Remarks by the President and Prime Minister Kenny at St. Patrick's Day Reception

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For Immediate Release March 19, 2013 Remarks by the President and Prime Minister Kenny at St. Patrick's Day Reception East Room

5:47 P.M. EDT
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody!  (Applause.)  Good evening, everybody.
 
AUDIENCE:  Good evening.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Welcome to St. Patrick’s Week here at the White House -- not just today, we get a week.  
 
I want to welcome back our good friend Taoiseach Kenny and his wonderful wife Fionnuala.  We are so glad that they are here, and we want to thank them for bringing some genuine Irish shamrocks.  I want to say a special thanks to Michael Collins, who has done such an outstanding job here as the Irish Ambassador to the United States.  This is his last St. Patrick’s Day in America before heading to Germany, so we want to wish him and his lovely wife all the best.  (Applause.) 
 
I also want to welcome First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Northern Ireland, who are with us here today.  And as I said earlier, I am very much looking forward to visiting Northern Ireland for the G8 Summit in June.  (Applause.) 
 
We have way too many Irish and Irish American and wannabe Irish Americans in the house for me to name -- (laughter) -- but I will say that the next four years are shaping up to be very green ones here in the White House.  (Applause.)  My new Chief of Staff is a McDonough.  My National Security Advisor is a Donilon.  Our new CIA Director is a Brennan.  My new head speech writer is a Keenan.  And Joe Biden has very kindly agreed to stay on as Irishman-in-Chief.  (Laughter.) 
 
Joe couldn’t be here tonight because he is on his way back from the installation of Pope Francis in Rome.  For those of you who know Joe, literally the only thing that could keep him away from St. Patrick’s Day at the White House is the installation of a new Pope.  (Laughter.)  So he sends his best. 
 
Ever since the first son or daughter of the Emerald Isle set foot here on American soil, this day has served as a reminder of just how many threads of green are woven into the red, white, and blue.  And in times of war and peace, good times and bad, Americans have always found a way to celebrate that heritage. 
 
During the Civil War, a quartermaster for the Irish Brigade was sent to Washington to secure a St. Patrick’s Day dinner consisting of a side of roasted ox, a pig stuffed with boiled turkeys and 35 hams.  And even during the Great Depression, when food was scarce and families were struggling, a judge in New York informed the district attorney that he would not try any cases on St. Patrick’s Day in which the defendant or the lawyers were Irish.  (Laughter.)   
 
Now, just to be clear, I looked into continuing some of these traditions -- no, I could not get the White House chefs to go along or the Attorney General to go along with these traditions.  (Laughter.)  So tonight, we’re going in a slightly different direction, but we do so mindful of the fact that even in times of trouble, if we’re lucky enough to be Irish –- even if it’s only in spirit –- then we’re lucky enough.  And that’s reason to give thanks.
 
Looking out on this room, it’s clear just how much America owes to our brothers and sisters from across the Atlantic, and how many of us -- myself included -- wouldn't be here if it were not for the brave souls who set off for the New World with no earthly idea of what awaited them on the other side.
 
And it’s a reminder of just how many trials the people of Ireland have endured, from hunger and troubles, to the economic challenges of recent years.  It’s yet another reason why we need to build an immigration system for the 21st century -- (applause) -- one that works for families and businesses and our economy.  But it’s also a tribute to the incredible resilience of the Irish character and the enormous power of faith -- in God, in one another, and in the possibility of a better life. 
 
It was that faith that brought millions of Irish to our shores, but that faith alone didn’t join our two nations in common cause.  It was how the Irish put that faith into practice in their new nation.  They wanted a government of and by and for the people, so they helped us design one.  And they understood the importance of saving the Union, so they fought and died for the cause.  They saw potential in our railways, bridges and skyscrapers, so they poured their sweat and blood into building them.  And they believed that each of us has an obligation, not just to ourselves, but to each other and to our country.  So that’s how they lived their lives here in America.
 
A great nation is one that contributes more to the world than it takes out, and by that definition, America owes a profound debt of gratitude to the great nation or Ireland.  And together, our people have never stopped dreaming of a better future and never stopped working to make that dream a reality. 
 
We saw that again in October, when Hurricane Sandy set off one of the worst residential fires in New York City’s history.  Hundreds of homes were left charred and flooded, and many families were suddenly faced with the task of picking up the pieces and rebuilding their lives, including in Breezy Point, a neighborhood with a large Irish American population.  In fact, more than half of Breezy Point residents can trace their families to the old country, and the folks back in the old country were not about to sit by and watch their American brothers and sisters struggle alone. 
 
So they pitched in.  Gaelic rock stars raised money.  Athletes from the Gaelic Games did construction work and brought the Sam Maguire chalice with them to lift spirits.  The Irish Tenors came over to sing Christmas carols.  The Irish government pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars, not just to help the residents of Breezy Point, but to help folks rebuild across the region.  And the Taoiseach himself was in Breezy Point on Sunday to attend mass.  (Applause.)
 
As one official said, New York has been very good to the Irish; now the Irish are giving back to New York.  And that’s the story of America and Ireland:  We look out for each other, we have each other’s backs, and we recognize that no challenge is too great and no obstacle is too high if you’ve got a friend beside you and a nation behind you.  That’s been our history; that will be our future.
 
So I hope everyone has a wonderful time.  There’s an old Irish saying that the recipe for a long life is to leave the table hungry, leave the bed sleepy, leave the bar thirsty.  (Laughter.)  We’ll see if that works tonight.  Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, everybody.  (Applause.)
 
And now I’d like to introduce my good friend and our honored guest, Taoiseach Kenny.  (Applause.)
 
PRIME MINISTER KENNY:  (Speaks Irish.)  Mr. President, First Lady, Happy Saint Patrick’s week to you, your families and the American people.  I’m delighted to be here.  I want to join with the President in wishing Ambassador Michael Collins and his wife, Marie, the very best.  Thank you for your service to this country and to Ireland.  (Applause.)
 
I’d like to add to that the service given by Ambassador Dan Rooney and his wife, Patricia, from the United States to Ireland.  Two wonderful people also.  (Applause.)  And thank you, Mr. President, for your warm welcome that you’ve given to Fionnuala and to me, to the Tánaiste and Carol, and indeed everyone in the Irish delegation.  It really is a privilege, and wonderful to be back.  Our warmest congratulations on your second term.  (Applause.)  Perhaps there will be a second visit home in due course.  (Laughter.)
 
For generations, now, there’s been a very special relationship between the President of the United States and the Irish people.  In fact, if the truth could be confirmed -- and it’s difficult to do so -- there are reports that President Lincoln himself is living in County Wicklow -- (laughter) -- and he’s married to Arthur Miller’s daughter.  (Laughter.)
 
In 1963, President Kennedy came home to Ireland.  He told our parliament about the Irish Brigade, the Fighting 69th.  Thanks to him, that brigade’s green flag speaks almost as eloquently as he did, at Leinster House today.  From Bull Run to Fredericksburg to Gettysburg, the Fighting 69th distinguished themselves on the battleground, showing outstanding courage and resilience and intelligence.  And for you, Mr. President, their battle cry in Irish was, “Fág an Bealach.”  "Clear the way."  Can you say that?  Fág an Bealach.
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Fág an Bealach.  (Applause.)
 
PRIME MINISTER KENNY:  Generations on, it rings out loud and clear on the other side of the Atlantic, because after difficult years, we, the Irish people, are at last clearing the way.  Táimid ag fágaint an bealach:  To a brighter, better, more prosperous future, both this time for all our people. 
 
Mr. President, a chairde Gael, we’ve still a long way to go on our journey to national recovery.  But tonight I’m proud to say here in the White House that confidence is returning to our country and to our people. 
 
Here this evening with this bowl of shamrock that contains traditional Irish shamrock, we’ve got a perfect example of that new confidence and that new hope.  Because unlike the bowl that James Joyce spoke of at the Atlantic, “the bowl of bitter tears,” or President Kennedy, this bowl here was made by Sean Egan, unemployed four years ago.  He spent 300 hours creating this in a labor of love.
 
It sparkles with the story of who we are now.  It glistens with the story of what we once brought here on the risky yet life-giving journey to America, not only those memories of place and home and family, but our songs, our music, our stories, sung and recited until they were threadbare so that new generations -- many of you here -- could actually make them your own. 
 
Just as we Irish made our own of America, today in Ireland, we do as we have always done.  As a nation, we make joy from sadness.  As a country, we forge success from difficulty.  As a republic, we create ourselves anew.  And as we do, we remember and we honor the old. 
 
They say that if you laid out a timber memorial for every Irish man, woman and child buried at sea on the Famine Crossing that you could walk from Cork to Boston.  They say, as we say in Irish, that they’re “idir eadartha” – “in between” -- between past and future, between two nations, two republics who stand proud and determined and strong either side of the Atlantic Ocean; exhilarated indeed by the possibilities of science, intrigued by the potential of discovery, and curious about the secrets and the powers of invention; united in our passionate belief in the capacity of experiment and thought and imagination and, indeed, intuition itself to transform our world.
 
And when the crew of the International Space Station -- who are on Twitter -- (laughter) -- these days, when they look on this world, on our planet and see it go a little greener, chances are they don't just think American, they don't just think British or Indonesian or any place else, they might well think that down there, that's our human family, the family of man, and they are at home. 
 
And because we are, Mr. President, for all we build, for all we make in finance, in politics, in business or economics, we know because of these connections that our real wealth are the reserves of love and kindness and insight and understanding and courage and compassion that were so carefully attained and accrued over those many long years.  And as we celebrate St. Patrick and St. Patrick’s Week, let us build on those reserves to build better nations, better people and a better world.  They're here, Mr. President.  The sun is new every day.  And may it shine brightly on our peoples and on all that we undertake together in the cause of each other.
 
So in your responsibilities all around the world, the many onerous responsibilities you carry, we wish you good fortune and good health and success.  In the words of the Fighting 69th, "Our union, our country, and Ireland forever.  Fág an bealach.  (Applause.)
 
END
6:00 P.M. EDT
 

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Remarks by Dr. Jill Biden at Wounded Warriors Reception at Winfield House

The White House

Office of the Vice President

Hello, everyone! Thank you, Marjorie, for hosting us here today and for your ongoing collaboration as we support our service men and women and their families.

As Second Lady, and as a military mom, I have been honored to spend time with our troops, and our recovering service members—and I am so inspired by the strength and resilience of both British and American military families and veterans.  Major Peter Norton, thank you for your service.

I know a spirit of service is deeply ingrained in all of you … that the warrior mentality doesn’t leave you when you return from war – or when you separate from the military. 

Over the past few days, I have visited with Wounded Warriors and medical staff at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center … and spent the day with soldiers and their families at a US Army base in Germany.

With each visit, I am reminded that our service members and their families have done so much for us … and we can all do something in return.

That spirit is what fuels the Joining Forces initiative the First Lady and I started to support and honor our troops and military families.

And I am very pleased to not only visit with some of the heroes that make the British military so strong, but also all the organizations here that support them.

I know that over the past 10 years, you have all worked so hard to improve the lives of the men and women who have sacrificed so much.  It is your dedication and support that has made all the difference for so many veterans and their families.

You are truly Joining Forces. 

The bonds that British and American troops share are unbreakable. You have served alongside one another every step of the way. Over 250,000 British troops have served alongside Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan. You are brothers and sisters in combat, but also in healing. 

In 2010, a soldier named Brian attended a holiday gathering Joe and I hosted in our home. Brian was newly injured at the time, and he and his young family were adjusting to his new normal – walking on prosthetics … separating from the military … and caring for a newborn while healing from amputations and internal injuries sustained during a blast in Iraq. 

Almost a year later, I was visiting wounded warriors at Walter Reed hospital when I met another young soldier who had just been injured in Afghanistan. 

He told me that he had been struggling to adjust to losing his legs, and to the long healing process ahead of him. 

But he said he was feeling much better because a fellow injured soldier had reached out to him and was mentoring him.  That soldier was Brian. 

Just a year after being injured, Brian was thriving. He gave other wounded warriors confidence that they too would once again be whole. 

I use Brian as an example of that same inner strength we have seen in you as many of you have pursued physical challenges beyond what you ever imagined you could accomplish after your injuries.

Not only do you inspire countless other recovering warriors, you inspire me … my husband Joe … President Barack Obama … First Lady Michelle Obama … and all Americans.

To our heroes and your families, thank you for your sacrifice and service, and to our British partners and friends, thank you for your ongoing commitment to our service men and women. 

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Remarks by the President, the Vice President, the First Lady and Dr. Biden at Inaugural Reception

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

The Building Museum
Washington, D.C.

8:48 P.M. EST

DR. BIDEN:  Good evening, everyone.  Thank you so much for joining us tonight.  But more than that, thank you for the kindness, friendship and support that you’ve shown us since we’ve begun this long journey together.  We wouldn’t be here without your help, and that means so much to me and Joe.

Joe and I are thrilled, and I know you feel the same way, to have Barack Obama as our President for another four years -- (applause) -- and Michelle as First Lady.  (Applause.)  And I may be a little biased, but I couldn’t think of a better man than my husband to help our President lead our country for the next four years.  (Applause.)  As long as he has the privilege of serving this nation, I know that Joe will keep fighting for American people every day. 

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming my husband, our Vice President, Joe Biden.  (Applause.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  I’m going to move this away, baby. 

Hello, I'm Jill Biden’s husband, and I’m delighted to be with you all here.  (Laughter.)  Let me begin with the simplest of statements:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  You’re the only reason that we are here.  Thank you for your support.  Thank you for being here.  And most of all, thank you for believing in us. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been honored to serve as Vice President.  But I’ve been especially honored to serve as Barack Obama’s Vice President.  (Applause.)  This man has already done an absolutely remarkable job:  Historic health care reform, two Supreme Court appointees -- Justice Sonya Sotomayor and Elaine Kagan -- ending the war in Iraq and about to end the war in Afghanistan -- (applause) -- and stating forthrightly his support for marriage equality.  (Applause.)  And I want you to know something else about this guy Barack Obama -- he’s just getting started.  He’s just getting started.  (Applause.)

In the weeks and months ahead, we’re going to reduce gun violence here in America.  (Applause.)  We’re going to pass comprehensive immigration reform.  (Applause.)  And we’re going to put this nation’s economy on a sustainable path to the future.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my great honor to introduce you to a magnificent, a truly magnificent First Lady Michelle Obama, and the guy she hangs out with -- my friend, President Barack Obama.  (Applause.)

 Hey.  (Laughter and applause.)  I thought you weren’t coming out.  (Laughter.)  I thought you weren’t coming.  (Laughter.)

MRS. OBAMA:  Hi, everybody.  (Applause.)  Excuse our tardiness.  But you know what, when Stevie Wonder has a few words to say to you -- (laughter) -- you don’t rush Stevie Wonder.  (Laughter.)  So pardon our delay, but thank you.  Thanks so much, Jill.  Thank you for that kind introduction.  But more importantly, thank you for your leadership and service.  (Applause.)

I love Joe Biden.  (Applause.)  I love Jill a little bit more.  (Laughter.)  But I want to thank you both for making this journey so much more fun.  Our families have bonded and this has just been a phenomenal four years.  And I’m ready to do four more with both of you.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Four more.

MRS. OBAMA:  Four more.

And most of all, I want to thank all of you here tonight for everything -- everything -- that you’ve done to bring this Inauguration to life.  This weekend has been such a wonderful celebration for our people and for the future.  And we know that none of it could have happened without all of you.  And that’s why it was so important for all of us to be here and to spend some time with you.
So this weekend, as we look ahead to the next four years, we should absolutely take some time to truly enjoy this next few days.  I mean, the last one was kind of fast.  (Laughter.)  So we’ve all agreed that we’re going to take some time to just breathe in and enjoy it.

But let's also remember that this Inauguration is about more than all of the events that we will all enjoy this weekend.  It's about more than swearing in a President.  It's about more than we accomplish together over the next four years.  It's also about the opportunities we have to make a real difference in people's lives.  (Applause.)  I mean, the truth is it's about our opportunity to continue to lift up our families, to help more of our children achieve their dreams, and to put our country on a solid foundation not just for these next few years, but for generations to come.

So tonight, let us re-dedicate ourselves to that work.  Let us keep building on the progress that we've made.  And let's keep working and fighting and pushing forward --

THE PRESIDENT:  Forward.

MRS. OBAMA:  Forward. (Applause.) 

THE PRESIDENT:  Forward.

MRS. OBAMA:  -- forward to make the real changes that's happened. 

And that's what this man, my husband, has been doing for these last four years.  (Applause.)  And let me tell you, it has just been a true thrill to watch this handsome, charming -- (laughter) -- individual grow into the man and the President that he is.  We have seen him every single day -- his integrity, his character, his sense of humor -- (laughter) -- his compassion, his courage.  And no matter what the obstacles, we have seen him be so steady facing the challenges that lie ahead and, as always, held true to one unwavering belief -- and that is that we love this country, and we can all work together to change it. 

So, ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to welcome the love of my life and our President for the next four years, Barack Obama.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Good evening.  Now, first of all, I love Michelle Obama.  (Applause.)  And to address the most significant event of this weekend, I love her bangs.  (Laughter and applause.)  She looks good.  She always looks good.

You know, as President, you make a lot of important decisions.  Probably the most important decision is who is going to be your partner during the course of your presidency.  And there have been some decisions I got right, some maybe folks might question.  But one decision I know was absolutely correct, absolutely spot on, was my choice of Vice President.  I could not have a better partner than Joe Biden.  And Joe Biden couldn’t have a better partner than Dr. Jill Biden.  (Applause.)  We love these folks.  Give them a round of applause.  (Applause.) 

Now, some of you may have heard the story of Andrew Jackson's inaugural reception.  Party-goers got so rowdy they broke several thousands of dollars' worth of White House china.  (Laughter.)  So my first big thank-you tonight is to the National Building Museum for hosting us here.  (Laughter.) 

I also want to thank The Source for their outstanding entertainment, the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters -- (applause) -- and a guy who has been known to make pretty good music, Mr. Stevie Wonder.  (Applause.) 

I'm delivering another speech tomorrow so tonight I'm going to be pretty brief, because there are a limited amount of good lines and you don’t want to use them all up tonight.  (Laughter.) My main purpose tonight is just to say thank you. 

As I look out on the room, we've got people from every walk of life, every corner and nook and cranny of this country, every state, every city, every suburb -- people who have invested so much heart, soul, time, money, energy.  One of the things that made this campaign unique was the degree of investment and ownership people had in this common project of ours, because you understood this was not just about a candidate; it was not just about Joe Biden or Barack Obama.  This was about us, who we are as a nation, what values we cherish, how hard we're willing to fight to make sure that those values live not just for today but for future generations.

All of you here understood and were committed to the basic notion that when we put our shoulders to the wheel of history, it moves.  (Applause.)  It moves.  It moves forward.  And that’s part of what we celebrate when we come together for Inauguration.

Yesterday, Americans in all 50 states took part in a National Day of Service.  Tomorrow, hundreds of thousands will join us in the National Mall.  And what the Inauguration reminds us of is the role we have as fellow citizens in promoting a common good even as we carry out our individual responsibilities -- the sense that there's something larger than ourselves that gives shape and meaning to our lives. 

The theme of this year's Inauguration is “Our people and our future.”  And throughout my career, what’s always given me energy and inspiration and hope, what’s allowed me to stand up when I’ve been knocked down, are folks like you -- the decency, the goodness, the resilience, the neighborliness, the patriotism, the sense of duty, the sense of responsibility of the American people.  You have inspired me throughout. 

And so whenever I think about the challenges that Joe and I and Jill and Michelle face, we know that we stand amongst friends and colleagues and fellow citizens, and that the work is not just ours, that we are working together. 

So I just want to say thank you.  Thank you very much.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  And I want all of you to know that even as we celebrate over the next couple of days -- and feel free to stay up as late as you want.  Tomorrow is not a school night.  Make sure to bundle up -- although it won’t be as cold as it was four years ago.  (Laughter.)  Make sure you know that what we’re celebrating is not the election or swearing-in of a President;  What we’re doing is celebrating each other, and celebrating this incredible nation that we call home.  (Applause.) 

And after we celebrate, let’s make sure to work as hard as we can to pass on an America that is worthy not only of our past but also of our future.  (Applause.) 

God bless you guys.  I love you.  We’ll see you tomorrow.  (Applause.)

END
9:02 P.M. EST

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Clinton finds warm reception for Organizing for Action comments

Former President Bill Clinton spoke to President Obama's national finance committee and other Democratic officials Saturday afternoon at the Newseum to discuss the newly launched Organizing for Action initiative, sources tell The Hill.

Organizing for Action is targeted at reaching out to past supporters of Obama's campaign and is the restructured version of the Obama for America organization. 

The former president talked about having courage to stand by Democratic leaders when dealing with hot-button issues this year, specifically mentioning the upcoming battle in Congress over gun-control legislation and comprehensive immigration reform. Clinton was received warmly by the crowd, which gave him a standing ovation following his comments. 

Clinton played a major role in helping Obama get reelected in November, despite the two having an tense relationship from the 2008 election. The former president gave a rousing speech at the Democratic National Convention about Obama's track record during his first term and even traveled to key swing states to campaign for him.

Clinton was joined by former Obama campaign manager Jim Messina, according to sources in the room, which had an overflowing crowd. In a recent email to supporters, Messina said the group would host discussions aimed at strategizing how to use the campaign's infrastructure and voter database to support the president in his second term.

"Issues like immigration, climate change, and gun violence will be debated over these next four years, and President Obama is ready to take them on — but he needs us by his side," Messina wrote in the email. "Our goal is to help him get things done, but also to help change how things get done in Washington in the first place."

First lady Michelle Obama launched the restructured organization in a video posted on Friday. The group is expected to be registered as a 501(c)4 organization, meaning it's barred by federal law from having politics as its main purpose. 

“The relationships you’ve made, the tools you’ve built and the lessons you’ve learned have already begun to change our politics. And in the coming years, they can change our country. And that’s the mission of Organizing for Action,” the first lady said in the video.

"In terms of the specifics of what this organization will look like, a lot of that will be up to you. It will be determined by your energy and ideas and feedback," she added. "Because after all, this is your movement."

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Remarks by the President at the Diplomatic Corps Reception

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

State Department
Washington D.C.

6:57 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)   Well, good evening, everyone.  It is wonderful to see all of you. 

I want to publicly thank Deputy Secretary Bill Burns.  For those of you who don’t know, Bill is only the second career diplomat in American history to rise to the level of Deputy Secretary.  (Applause.)   It is a tribute to Bill’s extraordinary skills.  I first met him when I was a new senator, and I traveled to Moscow.  And he was then the ambassador in Moscow, and he immediately impressed me.  One of these guys who doesn't speak loud, but actually has something to say.  (Laughter.)  Which is hard to find in Washington.  (Laughter.)  In Washington you have a lot of folks who speak loud and have nothing to say.  (Laughter.)

And so we’re thrilled obviously with the work that he has done, but Bill I think is representative of our incredible Foreign Service officers.  So thanks not only to Bill, but to all the outstanding State Department personnel who are working every day, often at great risk, to advance our interests and our ideals around the world.

Had Secretary Clinton been able to join us, I was going to congratulate her on her record-breaking travels, visiting 112 nations, just about every one of the countries that are represented here this evening -- more than 400 travel days; nearly 1 million miles.  These are not frequent flyer miles.  (Laughter.)  She does not get discounts.  I suspect she’s not going to be flying commercial that much after she leaves the State Department.  But she is tireless and extraordinary.

I spoke with her this past week.  We can’t wait to have her back.  And I know that all of you join me in sending her wishes for a speedy recovery. 

Now, we get together like this every year or so around the holidays -— either here or at the White House.  It’s a chance for me to express my appreciation for the cooperation and partnership between our countries.  That includes the hospitality that you and your fellow citizens show every single day to our diplomats and their families -— Americans who are serving far from home.  

But tonight, I also want to thank you for something else.  This obviously continues to be a very difficult week here in America.  We’re still grieving and reeling from unspeakable violence that took place in Newtown.  I was up there on Sunday.  I told the families there that they are not alone; that our entire nation stands with them.  But over the past few days what we’ve also seen is that the entire world stands with them; and so many of your countries, your citizens, your leaders have sent messages to them.  And I know they are grateful and certainly I am grateful. 

At our embassies and consulates, people are placing flowers and leaving notes.  We’ve seen candlelight vigils, and makeshift memorials -— including a beach in Brazil marked by 26 crosses and a bright American flag.  Across the globe, people are going online and posting messages and sending emails and texts of support.  I think of the woman, a teacher in Lithuania, who said, “I send all my love and prayers to the families.  It’s all I can do from so far away, but my heart is now in Newtown.”

So this evening, I want you and your fellow citizens back home to know how much this has meant to all of us -— to the good people of Newtown, to me, and to the American people.  You’ve stood with us, just as we’ve stood with you in similar moments -—whether it’s been a Scottish village, an Australian town, most recently the terrible tragedy at a youth camp in Norway.

Whether it’s a tsunami that strikes, or an earthquake that levels communities, or when a young girl is targeted and nearly killed, just for wanting to go to school, we’re reminded that terrible things happen in this world, but there are more people of goodwill than people of ill will.  And that if we can just remind ourselves of our common humanity, perhaps we can make progress. 

These are moments that pierce through all the noise of our daily lives.  And they speak to a larger truth that permeates our work together.  You turn on the TV, you open the newspaper, and every day it seems we’re bombarded with images of tension and conflict and division and differences.  And that sometimes seems to validate those who believe that civilizations are destined to clash.

But when you think about the last few days, you’re reminded that there’s a fundamental human response that transcends cultures and transcends borders.  And that’s what is represented in this room.  You look around the room and we reflect this vast tapestry of human experience -- people from every continent and every culture; North, South, East and West; from all the great faiths, every creed and color; men and women.  And we’re reminded that whatever differences on the surface, deep down we’re bound by a certain set of basic aspirations. 

We want our children to be safe and free from fear.  We want people to live in dignity and prosperity, free from want.  We want people to be free to think for themselves, and speak their minds and pray as they choose.  We want them to surpass or do a little bit better than we did.  That’s what we want for our children.  That’s why we’re here -- to serve them to do everything in our power to leave our children, and the next generation a better, safer world.

And that’s why, over the past four years, we’ve worked together, wherever we can, with your nations in a new era of engagement, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.  Strengthening alliances.  Forging new partnerships.  Confronting the spread of nuclear weapons.  Promoting open government, global health and food security, and fighting human trafficking.  Ending one war in Iraq.  Winding down another war in Afghanistan.  Going after terrorist networks that threaten all of our people.  Standing up for self-determination and freedom -- from South Sudan to the Arab Spring to Burma.  (Applause.)

At the same time, we’re mindful that we’ve got so much more work to do together.  There still are wars to end.  There are still democratic transitions to sustain.  Violent extremism remains out there and has to be confronted and deadly weapons still have to be contained.  We have to work to ease tensions between nations and uphold human rights.  There are still political prisoners that need to be freed and children that deserve a better education.  And all of us have to be concerned about a changing climate that could have a profound impact on every single country here. 

This must be our work.  And I’m here to say tonight that this spirit of partnership with your nations that defined my first term will remain a core principle of my second term.  That’s my commitment.  That is America’s commitment.  And that, I think, is one of the ways we can honor all these beautiful children and incredible teachers who were lost this past Friday -- by building a future that is equal to their dreams, and delivers on the dreams of children all around the world just like them. 

So as we gather this holiday season and look ahead to the New Year, I’d leave you with a simple message, a wish:  In the face of violence, let’s seek peace.  In the face of injustice, let’s strive for dignity.  In the face of oppression, let’s stand for liberty.  And in the face of suspicion and mistrust, let’s build the empathy and understanding.  Let’s understand that we need to live together -- as nations and as peoples and as brothers and sisters, as children of a loving God.  I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

God bless you.  God bless America.

END                       
7:07 P.M. EST

December 24, 2012 11:46 AM EST

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