First Lady Melania Trump delivered her final address from the White House in her remaining days in Washington, D.C. alongside President Donald Trump.
And she called on Americans for one thing following their departure: To carry on an important message she spent her four years in the White House.
“Be passionate in everything you do but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified,” she said.
“It is our duty as adults and parents to ensure that children have the best opportunities to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.”
The message is in line with Ms. Trump’s “Be Best” campaign.
The “Be Best” campaign was an initiative driven by Ms. Trump in a three-pronged effort to address some of our nation’s most challenging issues.
“I launched Be Best to ensure that we as Americans are doing everything we can to take care of the next generation,” she added. “Be Best has concentrated on three pillars: well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse.
“In a few short years, I have raised awareness of how to keep children safe online; we have made incredible progress on our nation’s drug epidemic and how it impacts the lives of newborns and families, and we have given a voice to our most vulnerable children in the foster care system.”
Amid an often times turbulent four years under President Donald Trump — where leaders found it hard to agree on seemingly everything — the First lady’s efforts were a constant positive as she sought to exemplify her message at every turn.
And it wasn’t always easy.
For example, when she visited a Baltimore school as a guest and was booed, yet and still she defended the right of the children to boo her appearance.
“We live in a democracy and everyone is entitled to their opinion,” she said at the time, “but the fact is we have a serious crisis in our country and I remain committed to educating children on the dangers and deadly consequences of drug abuse.”
And so the First Lady leaves the White House as gracefully as she entered it.
“I ask parents to educate your children about the courageous and selfless heroes who worked and sacrificed to make this country the land of the free,” the address read. “And to lead by example and care for others in your community.”
“In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best.”
You can watch the address below:
“Always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself.”
In a farewell speech ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, First Lady Melania Trump calls for the country to unite – and says “violence is never the answer”. pic.twitter.com/BbUieV2VTu
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) January 19, 2021
The Horn editorial team