Melania Trump

“ The most important and joyous role I’ve ever had is to be a mother to my young son and what could possibly be more essential focus in everyone’s life than that of loving, educating and bringing up our next generation to be happy, productive and morally responsible adults? Together we must acknowledge that all too often it is the weakest, most innocent and vulnerable among us, our children, who ultimately suffer the most from the challenges that plague our societies. ”

“ If we do not ensure that our youth are to find a nation of community to reach beyond their own backyards, their own schools and their own town halls, then why would we expect to see a new generation of leaders with a moral conscience that includes all of humanity? ”

“ We must continue to fight injustice in all its forms, in whatever scale or shape it takes in our lives. Together, we must declare that the era of allowing the brutality against women and children is over, while affirming that the time for empowering around the world is now. ”

“ Together, with the international community, the United States must send a clear message that we are watching. It is therefore our duty to continue to shine the light on each miraculous achieved by women, all capable of trying, truly leading the change to fight for those that cannot fight for themselves.
Theirs are the stories of human greatness that will continue to inspire, and therefore must be told far and wide. These honorees, who have fought on the front lines against injustice are true heroes. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Let us try to envision ourselves in their place, struggling against gender bias and discriminatory laws, which serve to protect the perpetrators of unthinkable crimes while punishing their victims, who even dare to speak out. Ask yourself if you would have the fortitude of spirit, the courage of your convictions and the enormous inner strength required to stand up and fight against such overwhelming odds. ”

“ When we join together as parents, caring for children wherever they live, in our own families, across the street, across the nation, or across the globe, we claim our responsibility to the next generation to ensure they are prepared to accept the torch of leadership for the world of tomorrow. ”

“ In my year as First Lady, I have also learned that it’s oftentimes after a tragedy that you see the strength and resilience of the human spirit. I have been heartened to see children across this country using their voices to speak out and try to create change. ”

“ But the White House Historical Association does much more than that. You bring their stories to life, and you make the White House accessible to visitors from near and far.
As my husband often says, this is the People's House. Each of you, through your time, talents, and treasure, make it so. Our family's appreciation for this home grows each and every day, and we could not be more grateful for your dedication to the White House. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Each battle forces—such as governments, the courts, gender bias, terrorism, war and corruption—and were willing in each moment to face harsh penalties, including imprisonment and death. As they continue to persevere against unimaginable odds, these women are extraordinary examples of reaching within to find the courage that lies inside us all to change the world. ”

“ We all know there is still much work to be done, which is why you’re all here today.
I know one panel will focus on the supply side of this crisis, and the other panel will focus on the prevention, treatment, and recovery. Our unified goal is that of helping all who have been affected by drug addiction. And, for me, that means focusing on babies and young mothers, which is something I have been often seeing in my travels.
I want to read some of a letter I received from a woman named Betty Henderson, a mother who lost her son to drugs. ”

“ If we do not advocate a love of country to our children and the generations to come, then why would our children grow up to fight for their country’s founding principals and moral truths? If we do not teach our children the importance of helping those less fortunate — wherever they may be — then why would they become caring adults who dedicate themselves to charity? ”

“ I believe that bravery is the ability to leave one's life, refusing to be discouraged, and instead, choosing a life of purpose. Only when we do this are we able to suppress what we previously believe to be possible. Each of these 12 women represents a life of enormous courage—to save a child, to help a family, to make a neighborhood or school safe or to boldly speak out against evil by refusing to back down no matter the personal cost. ”

“ Trump, I’m asking for your help in claiming these lost souls before drugs take them from this Earth. I pray that we give peace to families in knowing that they told their loved ones how much they are treasured. ”

“ We must remember that they are watching and listening so we must never miss and opportunity to teach life’s many ethical lessons along the way. As adults we are not merely responsible. We are accountable. I hope you will join me in committing ourselves to teaching the next generation to live by and honor the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, which is my paramount in today’s society and my focus as first lady. ”

“ I see the faces of brave young soldiers who have told me with pride in their eyes how much they love serving this country. To every service member and to our incredible military families: You are heroes, and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. ”

“ As leaders of our shared global community, we must continue to work towards gender empowerment and respect people from all backgrounds and ethnicities, remembering always that we are all ultimately members of one race: the human race. Each one of us is uniquely gifted. We must continually [revere] our American values as we join with the international community to make our world safer through acts of collaborative and individual bravery.
Thank you, honorees, for your courage, and thank you, Ambassador Shannon, for your support. ”

“ No children should ever feel hungry, stalked, frightened, terrorized, bullied, isolated or afraid with nowhere to turn. We need to step up, come together and ensure that our children’s future is bright. In the coming months I hope to reach out to each one of you here today to call upon you for your support and guidance and look forward to joining you in collaboration to support and educate our next generation. ”

“ For wherever women are diminished, the entire world is diminished with them. However, wherever women are empowered, towns and villages, schools and economies, are empowered, and together we are all made stronger with them. We must begin now to challenge old fears, fight long-held prejudices and stand up against evil and injustice wherever it may be. ”

“ 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.
In the midst of this hardship, we have seen the best of America shine through. Students have made cards and delivered groceries to our Senior Citizens. Teachers have worked twice as hard to keep our children learning. ”

“ Whether it is drug addiction, bullying, poverty, disease, trafficking, illiteracy or hunger, it is the children who are hit first and hardest in any country. And as we all know, the future of every nation rests with the promise of their young people. ”

“ Each one of these heroic women has an extraordinary story of courage, which must inspire each of us to also achieve more than we have ever imagined possible. Their lives remind us of the boundless capacity of the human spirit when guided by moral clarity and desire to do good. ”

“ Your generosity and your commitment to supporting this great organization keeps these items and the stories behind them alive for future generations of Americans. We can teach our children and grandchildren about Kennedy, Reagan, and Lincoln. ”

“ It remains our generation’s moral imperative to take responsibility for what our children learn. We must turn our focus right now to the message and content they are exposed to on a daily basis through social media, the bullying, the experience online and in person and the growing global epidemic of drug addiction and drug overdose. ”

“ Internationally, Be Best has evolved into a platform that encourages world leaders to discuss issues impacting the lives of children and allows them to share solutions. It has been an honor to represent the American people abroad. ”

“ On September 22, 2017, a needle took the life of my 29-year-old son, Billy. The day after my son’s death, I had to go to the medical examiner’s office to claim his body. No mother should ever have to claim their child’s body. ”

“ As you go forward, remember their journeys as [we] push ahead and strive to bring about a better community, a better country and a better world in an ongoing fight for right over might. We must continue once again to shine the light on the horrendous atrocities taking place in neighborhoods around the corner and around the globe, where innocent families are crying out to leave in safety. ”

“ Therefore, we must teach each child the values of empathy and communication that are at the core of kindness, mindfulness, integrity and leadership which can only be taught by example. By our own example we must teach children to be good stewards of the world they will inherit. ”

“ At every hour of every day, they stand guard to keep our communities safe, and we are forever in their debt.
I have been moved by children I have visited in hospitals and foster care centers. Even as they fight difficult illnesses or face challenges, they bring such a joy to everyone they meet. ”

“ Families have come together to provide meals, supplies, comfort and friendship to those in need.
Be passionate in everything you do but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified. ”

“ And make no mistake, this will always begin with us coming together to embrace parenthood’s noble calling. Nothing could be more urgent nor worthy a cause than preparing future generations for adulthood with true moral clarity and responsibility. ”

“ Their stories of individual bravery remind us that there is always hope whenever the human spirit is brought to bear in the service of others, and that healing and personal empowerment are often born from such deeds. ”