Usha Vance and First Lady Melania Trump delivered a deeply heartfelt tribute at Joint Base Andrews, honoring the strength and sacrifice of America’s military families, spouses, and caregivers. Speaking before service members and supporters, the two leaders emphasized the resilience and unwavering dedication of those who stand behind the nation’s uniformed men and women.
00:00Hello everyone. It's truly special to be here today and I want to extend my thanks to Dr. Jordan
00:21for bringing us together today for this event that I'm so excited for and for everything that
00:26you do for the Red Cross. And I hear that there is a retirement just a couple weeks down the line
00:32for Dr. Jordan. So can we all offer him a round of applause for 13 years?
00:42I'm also particularly grateful to be here today at Joint Base Andrews. I always look forward to
00:48returning to America's airfield and to the incredible community that supports its mission
00:52every day. JD and I are inspired every time we fly by your care and professionalism and are deeply
00:58grateful for your service. The care packages that we're assembling today are part of a proud and
01:04enduring tradition. The Red Cross began distributing these packages during World War I and has continued
01:10that work ever since. Each year more than 220,000 active duty and veteran families also receive Red
01:17Cross assistance wherever they are, whenever they need it. It's an honor to contribute to that legacy
01:23of service today. As we enter the holiday season, may we be reminded of our shared responsibility for
01:30our communities, our neighbors, and our nation. And may we continue to lift up those who serve and
01:36sacrifice for our country. Today's event would not be possible without our remarkable First Lady. She has shown a
01:45deep and enduring commitment to the well-being of children and families, especially within our
01:50military. Her efforts bring hope and support to countless households and her example inspires all of
01:57us to serve our communities with care and compassion. It is a privilege to stand here with her today.
02:04Please join me in welcoming our First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump.
02:15Good afternoon. Thank you, Usha, for your kind introduction and for joining us today. And thank you, Dr. Jordan, for all what you do. And good luck in the
02:44time. And good luck with your retirement and spending time with your family.
02:50It is wonderful to be here, adjoined Base Andrews. It is an honor to begin this holiday season with all of you.
03:00Twelve days ago, I visited MCAS New River and Camp Lejeune to spend time with our brave Marines, military,
03:10connected students and their families. I wanted to thank the team here at St. Andrews for supporting that
03:20important visit. Today, we are surrounded by people whose strength is often quiet, but always powerful.
03:30We speak regularly of the bravery of our service members, and we should.
03:36But we must also illuminate the bravery of those who walk beside them, the spouses who carry the weight
03:46of family life on top of their own dreams. Your lives require a silence that few outside the military can
03:56understand. Moves that make you make you to take across the country and around the world.
04:05Holidays spent with an empty chair at the table. Milestones celebrated over screen because the person you love
04:15is thousands of miles away. And yet, through every transition, every deployment, every homecoming,
04:25you continue to show grace, determination, and unbreakable spirit.
04:31You keep life steady for your children. You manage homes, careers, finances, and schedules,
04:40all while giving comfort to your family. You carry this extra responsibility because you love someone
04:50who has sworn to serve.
04:54Today, we are here with the American Red Cross, which has stood beside military families for generations.
05:02The Red Cross supports our service members, veterans, caregivers, and survivors across the globe.
05:12We are grateful for all they do to support and strengthen our military families.
05:19As we celebrate this season of hope, I encourage everyone to also take care of yourselves.
05:26Your well-being is vital, not just for your families, but for your own future.
05:34Your journey matters. Your voice matters. And your strength continue to inspire us all.
05:43Every package built here today is built with American values. Each represents liberty, love,
05:51community, and honor. Each is delivered with heart and love, the foundation of our great nation.
06:02May this Christmas bring peace to your homes, safety to those who are deployed,
06:09and gratitude in the hearts of every American who thanks you for your service and sacrifice.
Be the first to comment