| 00:06:2615 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
Thank you, Patty, for that warm introduction and for all you do for military families, and especially the children. I always love seeing you, and I’m... |
| 00:06:411 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
Good afternoon. |
| 00:06:422 sec. |
AUDIENCE, -
Good afternoon. |
| 00:06:4412 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
It’s so nice to see so many friends here. I’m Jill Biden, and I’m a proud military mom and grandmom. And it’s a special honor to welcome you... |
| 00:06:5630 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
This has been quite a week, hasn’t it? (Laughter.) Yesterday I joined my husband at the Pentagon to commemorate the victims of the attacks on 9/11.... |
| 00:07:2637 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
On Sunday night, as I was -- after the President made his announcement, I was -- it was late, and I was outside waiting for my husband. I had on my... |
| 00:08:037 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
We and the entire nation are so proud of all of you. |
| 00:08:1029 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
Michelle and I are thrilled to have you here at the White House today as we express the thanks of our entire nation for those who serve. You are all... |
| 00:08:3939 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
Just last month I attended a deployment ceremony where I met some folks I now call, “The Grandparents.” Both parents of three children under the... |
| 00:09:1827 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
Last summer, I traveled to Iraq with my husband, Joe, to visit our troops during the Fourth of July. I had lunch with several female soldiers, many... |
| 00:09:4518 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
One woman across the table fought back tears as she told me that she was missing out on taking her youngest daughter to college. I was at a loss for... |
| 00:10:0315 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
Michelle and I have both been struck by these women fiercely proud to serve their country and never complaining, but still struggling with some of the... |
| 00:10:1824 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
You here today, and all the women we have met in our travels, are doing your part. The government is working hard to do its part. And each American... |
| 00:10:4257 sec. |
Biden, Jill - Spouse
And now, it’s my honor and privilege to introduce a woman who is doing her part as a strong leader and a constant advocate for our service members,... |
| 00:11:3935 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
Thank you, everyone. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you all so much. Please rest, enjoy the tea. Welcome to the White House. Isn’t this great?... |
| 00:12:1443 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
We're delighted to have you here. Let me start by recognizing my partner in so much -- and I didn’t know that this woman would be not just a partner... |
| 00:12:5730 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
And Patty. Patty has been a tremendous advisor to Jill and I throughout this entire process, and she is amazing and knowledgeable, and she is going... |
| 00:13:273 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
And finally, I want to thank all of you. Thank you. |
| 00:13:3044 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
I know it’s pretty exciting to be having tea at the White House in the East Room. But believe it or not, we are just as excited, and probably more... |
| 00:14:1423 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
We’ve been moved by your strength and your spirit, by your courage and, more importantly, by your sacrifice. And as you have opened your arms and... |
| 00:14:3741 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
You’ve also opened my eyes to what being part of a military family is truly all about. You’ve shown me what it takes for one parent to do the job... |
| 00:15:1837 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
And I know that there are people in the room today who feel a little sad because this Mother’s Day is a little less than what you’d hope. And all... |
| 00:15:5551 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
You’ve shown us what it takes to be a military child, many of you -- changing and leaving friends behind every few years; trying to keep up with homework... |
| 00:16:4625 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
And what you do is not easy. I won’t even say it’s not always easy. I don’t think it’s ever easy. I know that every day you deal with things... |
| 00:17:1139 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
Roseanna Yamashita and her daughter Tyler are some of you who know what I’m talking about. With a father serving in the army, Tyler is only a junior... |
| 00:17:5041 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
And then there’s Helen Norberg and her daughter Julia. They know a thing or two about what I’m talking about. When Julia had to deploy to Iraq,... |
| 00:18:3140 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
And then, last year as Julia’s deployment was coming to an end, Helen’s house was destroyed by a tornado. Helen jumped on top of Isaiah to protect... |
| 00:19:1146 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
And there are stories like this at every table, in every one of your households, in every one of your lives. I know that. These are only examples... |
| 00:19:5731 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
And that’s why last month, Jill and I -- with Patty’s help and so many others -- we started Joining Forces, a nationwide campaign to rally this... |
| 00:20:2820 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
We’re joining forces across the federal government, building on over 50 commitments that departments and agencies have made for how they can better... |
| 00:20:4822 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
We’re joining forces with organizations like the national PTA and the Military Child Education Coalition, to improve school outreach to military kids.... |
| 00:21:1015 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
And we’re joining forces with families and communities. We’re urging people to do whatever they can as neighbors, colleagues, and classmates to... |
| 00:21:2521 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
We believe that this is what you deserve from us, because showing our gratitude to those who serve our nation whether it’s on the battlefield or at... |
| 00:21:4622 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
So, to everyone here, I just want to say thank you. This is a very small way to say thank you. Thank you for your strength, your commitment. Thank... |
| 00:22:0840 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
So let’s stop crying -- because I’m about to cry again. (Laughter.) Let’s just stop now. (Laughter.) And remember, it is Mother’s Day. ... |
| 00:22:4848 sec. |
Obama, Michelle - First Lady
So thank you all. Take care. (Applause.) |