[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E52-E53]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 APPRECIATING FIRST LADY MELANIA TRUMP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2021

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, American Families have 
been blessed the last four years with the service of First Lady Melania 
Trump.
  She is a native of Slovenia, a beautiful new nation liberated by the 
American Victory in the Cold War inspired by Ronald Reagan, Prime 
Minister Margaret Thatcher, Pope John Paul II of Poland
  Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the Farewell Message of First 
Lady Melania Trump of January 18, 2021, which is to be treasured.

       My fellow Americans, it has been the greatest honor of my 
     life to serve as First Lady of the United States.
       I have been inspired by incredible Americans across our 
     country who lift up our communities through their kindness 
     and courage, goodness and grace.
       The past four years have been unforgettable. As Donald and 
     I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the 
     people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible 
     stories of love, patriotism, and determination.
       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.
       I think of all the members of law enforcement who greet us 
     wherever we go. 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.
       I remember the mothers who have battled the disease of 
     Opioid addiction, and have overcome incredible hardships for 
     love of their children.
       I have been inspired by the devoted caregivers for babies 
     born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and communities that 
     give these children the support and care they need to grow.
       When I think about these meaningful experiences, I am 
     humbled to have had the opportunity to represent a nation 
     with such kind and generous people.
       As the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, I 
     thank all the nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals, 
     manufacturing workers, truck drivers, and so many others who 
     are working to save lives.
       We grieve for the families who have lost a loved one due to 
     the pandemic.
       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.
       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.

[[Page E53]]

       When I came to the White House, I reflected on the 
     responsibility I have always felt as a mother to encourage, 
     give strength, and teach values of kindness. It is our duty 
     as adults and parents to ensure that children have the best 
     opportunities to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
       The passion for helping children succeed would drive my 
     policy initiative as First Lady.
       I launched Be Best to ensure that we as Americans are doing 
     everything we can to take care of the next generation. 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.
       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. I 
     treasure each of my experiences and the inspiring people I 
     have met along the way.
       As I say farewell to my role as First Lady, it is my 
     sincere hope that every American will do their part to teach 
     our children what it means to Be Best. 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. And to lead by example and care for others 
     in your community.
       The promise of this Nation belongs to all of us. Do not 
     lose sight of your integrity and values. Use every 
     opportunity to show consideration for another person and 
     build good habits into your daily lives.
       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.
       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.
       No words can express the depth of my gratitude for the 
     privilege of having served as your First Lady.
       To all the people of this country: You will be in my heart 
     forever.
       Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States 
     of America.

                          ____________________