Former President Obama’s final message to the American people

“Because for all our outward differences, we, in fact, all share the same proud title,

the most important office in a democracy: Citizen.”

—Former President Barack Obama

As the nation bid adieu to Former President Obama, he shared this final message with the American people on his last day in office:

“My fellow Americans,

It’s a long-standing tradition for the sitting president of the United States to leave a parting letter in the Oval Office for the American elected to take his or her place. It’s a letter meant to share what we know, what we’ve learned, and what small wisdom may help our successor bear the great responsibility that comes with the highest office in our land, and the leadership of the free world.

But before I leave my note for our 45th president, I wanted to say one final thank you for the honor of serving as your 44th. Because all that I’ve learned in my time in office, I’ve learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.

Throughout these eight years, you have been the source of goodness, resilience, and hope from which I’ve pulled strength. I’ve seen neighbors and communities take care of each other during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers — and found grace in a Charleston church.

I’ve taken heart from the hope of young graduates and our newest military officers. I’ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and wounded warriors once given up for dead walk again. I’ve seen Americans whose lives have been saved because they finally have access to medical care, and families whose lives have been changed because their marriages are recognized as equal to our own. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us through their actions and through their generosity of our obligations to care for refugees, or work for peace, and, above all, to look out for each other.

I’ve seen you, the American people, in all your decency, determination, good humor, and kindness. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I’ve seen our future unfolding.

All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into that work — the joyous work of citizenship. Not just when there’s an election, not just when our own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime.

I’ll be right there with you every step of the way.

And when the arc of progress seems slow, remember: America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘We shall overcome.’

Yes, we can.

President Barack Obama”

On Jan. 20, the transition from Obama to President Donald Trump took place, and Mr. & Mrs. Obama have re-joined America as private citizens. As such, they plan to work to help shape the future for generations to come through the Obama Foundation which will be based in Chicago.

As former president Obama shares, “True democracy is a project that’s much bigger than any one of us. It’s bigger than any one person, any one president, and any one government. It’s a job for all of us.” Hence, the Foundation is established with a commitment to progress.

Citizens are welcomed to shares their thoughts and ideas with the Obama Foundation and can do so at https://go.obama.org/add-your-voice. Much of our nation voted in this election for change, looking to a leader to change America. But, it not just for the leader to make change, it is for each and every citizen.

Find your voice, be the change, as we all work together for a brighter tomorrow for our great nation.