Obama Presidential Center opens with reunion of former presidents and first ladies
The grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center brought together all four living former presidents and first ladies in a rare public reunion celebrating the legacy of former President Barack Obama.
(NBC)- The grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center brought together all four living former presidents and first ladies in a rare public reunion celebrating the legacy of former President Barack Obama.
The ceremony featured musical performances, including an appearance by Bono, who acknowledged the gathering of former presidents during a performance that energized the crowd. The event also highlighted the passage of time since the Obama administration left office, with daughters Malia and Sasha Obama, once familiar faces as children in the White House, now appearing as young adults.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered one of the day’s most emotional speeches, praising her husband’s accomplishments while offering a defense against critics.
“How absurd it is to imagine that you might have done anything but make our family and this entire country proud,” Michelle Obama said.
President Donald Trump was neither mentioned during the ceremony nor invited to attend. During his remarks, Obama focused on democratic values and the importance of peaceful transitions of power.
“A belief in the peaceful transfer of power after the people have spoken in fair and free elections, recognizing that in a large, complicated society like ours, no group or faction gets its way 100 percent of the time,” Obama said.
The celebration also featured performances from several artists and drew standing ovations from attendees. Organizers described the event as a joyful celebration of public service, community involvement and civic engagement.
The Obama Presidential Center officially opens to the public following the ceremony, offering exhibits on the Obama presidency, community spaces and educational programs designed to inspire future generations.
