The White House Blog: The First Lady

The President and First Lady Honor Nelson Mandela on his 93rd Birthday

Ed. Note: In 2009, the United States joined the United Nations General Assembly in declaring July 18th Nelson Mandela International Day. Today, the global community honors Nelson Mandela through acts of service. You can find service opportunities in your community on Serve.gov.

"As the people of the world celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday on July 18, Madiba continues to be a beacon for the global community, and for all who work for democracy, justice and reconciliation," President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama said in a statement, "On behalf of the people of the United States, we congratulate Nelson Mandela, and honor his vision for a better world."

The President and First Lady continued:

Nelson Mandela said, ‘There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.’ A man who devoted 67 years of his life to public service, Madiba sets the standard for service worldwide, whether we are students, shopkeepers or farmers, cabinet ministers or presidents. He calls on us to serve our fellow human beings, and better our communities.

Remembering Betty Ford

First Lady Michelle Obama attends the funeral for former First Lady Betty Ford at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, Calif., July 12, 2011. Standing with Mrs. Obama, from left, are: former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former President George W. Bush, and former First Lady Nancy Reagan. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

Yesterday I was honored to accompany the First Lady to the celebration of life for former First Lady Betty Ford, at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, California.  An historic gathering of others who have shared the privilege of serving the country in the White House were also in attendance, including President George W. Bush, First Lady Nancy Reagan, First Lady Rosalynn Carter and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.  President and Mrs. Ford’s four children, Mike, Jack, Steve and Susan, and their children and grandchildren, were warm and welcoming, and embodied the joy and spirit of their parents, especially their mother who we all came to honor.  The trailblazing life of this remarkable woman was highlighted throughout the service.  

Her son, Mike Ford, spoke of the love between his parents, and the love they showered on their family.  Mrs. Carter noted their longstanding friendship, which was forged out of the unique circumstances when President Carter defeated President Ford, and Mrs. Ford welcomed Mrs. Carter to the Carters’ new home in the White House.  Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Carter went to jointly champion the cause of health care coverage for mental illness and addiction, and Mrs. Carter hailed the progress that has been made on this important issue.  Geoffrey Mason of the Betty Ford Center spoke directly to Mrs. Ford, thanking her for saving his life and the lives of so many others who struggle with addiction.  

Video: Fourth of July Celebration at the White House

A young girl salutes President Barack Obama as he shakes hands along a ropeline with members of the military and their families at the White House, July 4, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Watch a video from the Independence Day celebration at the White House. The President and First Lady joined more than 1,200 military heroes and their families for a barbeque, a special USO show featuring Train and Amos Lee, and a viewing of the fireworks over the National Mall.

Watch the celebration, here. 

What You Can Do to Support Military Families

This morning, the First Lady sent the following message to the White House email list, wishing them a Happy Independence Day and encouraging all Americans to honor our brave men and women in uniform by volunteering to give back to the military families who sacrifice so much to keep us safe.  

If you didn’t get the email, be sure to sign up for the White House email list.

Good morning,

This Independence Day, I hope you’ll join me and my family in recognizing both our brave men and women in uniform and their families for everything they do to protect our country and our way of life.

We know that when our troops are called to serve, their families serve right along with them. For military kids, that means stepping up to help with the housework and putting on a brave face through all those missed holidays, bedtimes and ballet recitals. For military spouses, it means pulling double-duty, doing the work of both parents, often while juggling a full-time job or trying to get an education.

That’s why, a few months ago, Dr. Jill Biden and I started Joining Forces, a nationwide campaign to recognize, honor, and serve our military families. Our troops give so much to this country and they ask us for just one thing in return: to take care of their families while they’re gone. So we’ve put out a call to action. We’re urging all Americans to ask themselves one question: What can I do to give back to these families that have given so much?

To answer that question you can go to JoiningForces.gov and learn more about how you can get involved. And you can get started right now through Operation Honor Card by pledging to spend a certain number of hours serving military families in your community.

Our motto for Joining Forces is very simple: Everyone can do something. We've met folks in every corner of the country who are stepping up and helping out in their own small ways in their neighborhoods and in their communities. They’re popping over to rake the leaves, or bringing a family a home-cooked meal, or offering to babysit. And I know that if we each do whatever we can, if we all join forces, we can show military families across this country that we have them in our hearts, we have them in our prayers, and we always have their backs.

Happy Independence Day!

Sincerely,

First Lady Michelle Obama

P.S. Today, my husband and I will welcome troops and their families from across the country to the White House for a special USO concert and a great view of the fireworks on the National Mall. You can watch the whole thing live on WhiteHouse.gov/live starting at 7 p.m. EDT.