Determined to restore dignity to the White House and respect back to the institutions of government, our amazing First Lady has spent the last 50 days embarked on a tour of good will that reached from the soup kitchens of Washington to the departments of our government that were left to rot under republican rule.
Government is filled with folks who have dedicated their lives to helping improve their country, and it's great to see Michelle Obama on a whirlwind tour to thank them and let them know that they now have a leader who respects and appreciates the working people of this government and this country.
Below are some highlights, quotes and photos of our amazing and alluring First Lady in action....Enjoy!
As they moved into the White House, they set out to make sure their presence was felt as a part of the Washington DC community.
Visiting Mary's Center Teen Program in Washington DC, talking up the importance of community:
"You know, that's the difference between being a kid and an adult, you know. I mean, it's not the money you make or the degree that you have, but in many ways it's the choice that you make to be an active and involved and responsible citizen. And no President can mandate that. No mayor can mandate that. That comes from us..."
Welcoming a White House performance for 6th and 7th graders by female a capella singing group Sweet Honey In The Rock
"And think about...getting up every single day and working hard, as hard as you can; putting your best foot forward all the time, not just when somebody is looking, but every single moment; and supporting your family, the folks in your own households; making your beds, putting the dishes up, cleaning your rooms. That's part of the preparation. How do you help your neighbor? And how are you going to build a better life and a future for yourselves?"
A theme from the Obama campaign and here with the First Lady is the concept of service. Whether in front of 6th graders, government employees or to workers at a homeless soup kitchen, she always peppers her remarks with a call to service. Responsibility to your neighbors and family.
The contrast with Bush could not be more clear. In crisis, one man urged us to shop, the other urges us to serve.
Presenting a Magnolia seedling to the Department of Agriculture on February 11th:
"So as you probably heard, I've been running around the District visiting departments. And as I've said, it's been one of the most fun things that I've done. My purpose is simple: It's to say thank you.
But what is true and what America needs to remember is that this nation is built on the backs of you, workers who have dedicated their lifetimes to working on behalf of the issues that are so important to this nation. And before we do anything here in this town, in this country, we thought it is important to say thank you for the work that you've done, thank you for the work that you're going to do, because we're going to need you working so very hard over the next several years. So thank you."
At her visit to Department of Interior with Secretary Salazar, Michelle was presented with a Native American Shawl from the republican head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
At the Department of Transportation, February 20th:
"People across the country are counting on you to keep them safe, to help them live their lives, and to put them back to work. We are at the beginning of what will be a long and extraordinary journey. We're going to need each and every one of you."
Bringing hope and life back to the Environmental Protection Agency on February 26th
(where they LOVED her):
"And to the hardworking men and women of the EPA: It's a new day. (Applause.)
We now have a President who is going to put science at the heart of our environmental policies and decisions. (Applause.)
I've often spoken about my most important job –- being a mom –- and like mothers and fathers everywhere, the health and safety of our children is our top priority. This is what it is all about: the future."
"Thank you, Michelle! You saved us from Palin!"
At The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Center in Arlington, March 3rd:
"I strongly encourage anyone in this country who hasn't taken the time to see this memorial. It goes through the whole progression of women into the military, with contributions from family members from around this country, pictures, uniforms. I'm going to spend more time here and bring my girls, because it is something that I want them to see...
Members of the military and their families have a special courage and strength. As the President said last week during his address at Camp Lejeune, service doesn't end with the person wearing the uniform. You all know that."
At Miriam's Kitchen in Washington DC, March 5th:
"So we're all going to need one another in these times. We're going to need to keep lifting each other up in prayer and in hope. This has been an honor for me to be with all of you. We're going to continue to be a part of Miriam's Kitchen and other facilities just like this across the country. And we urge everyone within listening ear, within the sound of my voice, to think about ways they can become involved, too."
Mom in Chief:
Embracing Lilly Ledbetter at The President's historic Ledbetter Bill signing:
Honoring Stevie Wonder at the White House:
What a knockout!
Honoring Teddy this week:
Alluring and Amazing:
After 50 days, I have to say it's refreshing having a new first lady who is empathetic towards working people and those who serve our country in many different ways. And to have one that is full of life and such a great role model for my young daughter.
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UPDATE: Hillary solidarity images from today's ceremony for the Secretary of State International Women of Courage Awards -
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SLIDES:
Photos courtesy of Reuters via Daylife.