Barack Obama pens farewell letter to Americans: ‘You Made Me a Better Man’

Outgoing US president, Barack Obama has penned a farewell letter to to the American people, just less than 24 hours before he departs the White House. 

Though it is a tradition for the sitting president to leave a letter to his successor in the Oval Office, Obama instead took the time on his final full day in office to pen a letter to the American populace.

In the letter posted on Facebook, Obama wrote "You made me a better President, and you made me a better man." He also wrote about meeting all types of citizens during his eight years in office, who showed him grace, community, strength, and more.

He wrote that the American people should "throw ourselves into that work" and that no great change ever happened without hard work.

He invited those who'd like to stay connected to join the Barack Obama Foundation mailing list for updates on his and Michelle's post-White House accomplishments.

My fellow Americans,

It’s a long-standing tradition for the sitting president of the United States to leave a parting letter in the Oval Office for the American elected to take his or her place. It’s a letter meant to share what we know, what we’ve learned, and what small wisdom may help our successor bear the great responsibility that comes with the highest office in our land, and the leadership of the free world.

But before I leave my note for our 45th president, I wanted to say one final thank you for the honor of serving as your 44th. Because all that I’ve learned in my time in office, I’ve learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.

Throughout these eight years, you have been the source of goodness, resilience, and hope from which I’ve pulled strength. I’ve seen neighbors and communities take care of each other during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers — and found grace in a Charleston church.

I’ve taken heart from the hope of young graduates and our newest military officers. I’ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and wounded warriors once given up for dead walk again. I’ve seen Americans whose lives have been saved because they finally have access to medical care, and families whose lives have been changed because their marriages are recognized as equal to our own. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us through their actions and through their generosity of our obligations to care for refugees, or work for peace, and, above all, to look out for each other.

I’ve seen you, the American people, in all your decency, determination, good humor, and kindness. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I’ve seen our future unfolding.

All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into that work — the joyous work of citizenship. Not just when there’s an election, not just when our own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime.

I’ll be right there with you every step of the way.
And when the arc of progress seems slow, remember: America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘We shall overcome.’

Yes, we can.

Obama and his family will leave the White House on Friday January 20 when Donald Trump will be inaugurated as US 45th president.

Reuters