He wasn't focused on our past -- he was focused on our future. He spoke about how America's unique strengths as a nation give us everything we need to build a better future for generations to come.
"That's the America I know. That’s the country we love. Clear-eyed. Big-hearted. Undaunted by challenge. Optimistic that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. That’s what makes me so hopeful about our future. I believe in change because I believe in you, the American people." Read the full speech.
You can read the full text of President Obama's speech on WhiteHouse.gov, Medium, and Facebook. For more, check out past annotated State of the Union addresses to see the progress we've made over the past seven years.
3 things to do before tonight's speech:
President Obama will deliver his final State of the Union address tonight at 9pm ET. You can watch it live on WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU -- along with exclusive charts and graphics that make clear how far we've come these past seven years. Share this: The progress we've made together
Watch this: The President reflects on his final State of the Union
On Tuesday, my husband will deliver his seventh and final State of the Union address.
He'll be talking about making things better for you and your family right now -- and he'll also be sharing his vision for how, together we can make this country a better place for the next generation, and generations to come.
That's been his mission since the day he took office, and he'll be doing everything he can with every minute he has left as President to deliver on behalf of the American people. This speech is for you, and we want to know you'll be there watching. Say you'll join me and millions of other Americans on Tuesday to watch the State of the Union.
Each year, I have the honor of attending this address with a few of the many Americans who have inspired Barack -- and this year is no exception.
Braeden Mannering, after attending the White House Kids' "State Dinner," started his own nonprofit to provide healthy food to homeless and low-income individuals in his community. Formerly homeless Navy veteran Cindy Dias works with Veterans Village, a non-profit that has answered our Joining Forces call to End Veterans' Homelessness in Las Vegas.
Oscar Vasquez, an immigrant from Mexico, fought for the right to become an American citizen so that he could fulfill his dream of joining the U.S. Army. Refaai Hamo, a scientist and cancer survivor, fled Syria with his family hoping to "make a lasting contribution to humanity."
That kind of passion and perseverance are at the heart of this great country. And while we have made so much progress, there's so much more left to do to ensure all Americans have the opportunities they deserve to get ahead. That's what my husband will be talking about on Tuesday. So let us know you'll be watching. RSVP here on Facebook and then check out WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET to watch the President's final address to the nation.
Thanks so much,
First Lady Michelle Obama
