Michelle Obama chokes up during final speech as first lady: 'I hope I've made you proud'
"For all the young people in this room and those who are watching: Know that this country belongs to you, to all of you from every background and walk of life," Obama told the crowd of educators, celebrities, and supporters she gathered to honor the Counselor of the Year.
"If you or your parents are immigrants, know that you are part of a proud American tradition - the infusion of new cultures, talents, and ideas generation after generation," she continued. "That has made us the greatest country on Earth."
Obama is leaving the White House as an extraordinarily popular first lady, with a favorability rating of 72%.
She was perhaps Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's most effective surrogate on the campaign trail, giving a particularly emotional speech after the release of the 2005 tape of President-elect Donald Trump making lewd remarks about women.
On Friday, Obama was nostalgic. The women surrounding her cried and cheered, interrupting her as she spoke.
"That's my final message to young people as first lady - it is simple," Obama said to a roar of applause. "I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. Lead by example with hope, never fear. And know that I will be with you - rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life."
Obama held back tears as she said her final official words.
"I want to close today by simply saying thank you," she said. "Thank you for everything you do for our kids and for our country. Being your first lady has been the greatest honor of my life, and I hope I've made you proud."
Watch the first lady's full speech below. Her remarks start at 2:18:41:
- Global stocks rally even as Sensex, Nifty fall sharply on Friday
- In second consecutive week of decline, forex kitty drops $2.28 bn to $640.33 bn
- SBI Life Q4 profit rises 4% to ₹811 crore
- IMD predicts severe heatwave conditions over East, South Peninsular India for next five days
- COVID lockdown-related school disruptions will continue to worsen students’ exam results into the 2030s: study
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market