*사진 출처: jenny.gr*

2021년 1월 19일 크리스천헤드라인 뉴스에서는 18일에 행한 퍼스트 레이디 멜라니 트럼프의 작별 인사를 전했다.(뉴스파워에서 아래 소개된 백악관 홈페이지에서 그녀의 연설 전문과 녹화를 볼 수 있다)

보도에 따르면, “백악관에서 연설하면서 트럼프는 지난 4년 동안 퍼스트 레이디로서 자신의 경험을 반영했다”고 했다.

“지난 4년을 잊을 수 없다. 저는 친절과 용기, 선함과 은혜를 우리 국민 미국인으로부터 감동을 받았다”고 했다.

그녀는 “대통령과 저는 백악관에서의 시간을 마치면서 그동안 모든 사람들과 그들의 놀라운 사랑, 애국심, 결의에 대하여 앞으로 이야기를 할 것입니다.”라고 했다.

그녀는 군인, 법 집행관, 어린이 등을 포함한 모든 계층의 사람들이 그녀에게 어떤 영향을 미쳤는지에 대해 회상했다.

                                       *사진출처:위클리시아*

그녀는“이런 의미있는 경험을 생각할 때 이렇게 친절하고 관대한 사람들로 국가를 대표할 기회를 갖게 되어 숙연해진다”고 말했다.

COVID-19 전염병과 관련하여 그녀는 “간호사, 의사, 의료 전문가, 제조업 노동자, 트럭 운전사 등 많은 사람들과 같은 생명을 구하기 위해 일선에서 일하는 모든 분들에게 감사를 드린다”라고 했다.

그녀는 바이러스로 인해 사랑하는 사람을 잃은 가족들에게 안타까움을 표시했다. 그녀는 또한 수백만 개의 백신이 배포됨에 따라 모든 미국인들에게 “취약자를 먼저 보호해야 한다”고 강조했다.

영부인은 어린이와 청소년을 대상으로 하는 “Be Best 이니셔티브”를 발표하면서 “미국인으로서 우리가 다음 세대를 돌보기 위해 할 수 있는 모든 것을 할 수 있도록 Be Best를 시작했다”고 했다. 그녀는 “ Be Best는 웰빙, 온라인 안전 및 오피오이드 남용” 세 가지에 대하여 강조했다.

마지막으로 트럼프는 영부인으로 봉사할 기회를 준 미국인들에게 감사를 표했다. “영부인으로 봉사한 특권에 대해 깊이 감사를 드리며, 저의 마음속에 영원히 여러분들이 있을 것입니다. 감사합니다. 하나님의 축복이 여러분들과 미국에 있기를 바랍니다.”라고 했다.

*송별 연설 전문* 백악관 홈페이지에서 가져옴

트럼프 대통령 영 부인 멜라니의 육성 연설을 다음에서 들을 수 있다.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/farewell-message-first-lady-melania-trump/

My fellow Americans,

It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as First Lady of the United States.

I have been inspired by incredible Americans across our country who lift up our communities through their kindness and courage, goodness and grace.

The past four years have been unforgettable. As Donald and I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible stories of love, patriotism, and determination.

I see the faces of brave young soldiers who have told me with pride in their eyes how much they love serving this country. To every service member and to our incredible military families: You are heroes, and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

I think of all the members of law enforcement who greet us wherever we go. At every hour of every day, they stand guard to keep our communities safe, and we are forever in their debt.

I have been moved by children I have visited in hospitals and foster care centers. Even as they fight difficult illnesses or face challenges, they bring such a joy to everyone they meet.

I remember the mothers who have battled the disease of Opioid addiction, and have overcome incredible hardships for love of their children.

I have been inspired by the devoted caregivers for babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and communities that give these children the support and care they need to grow.

When I think about these meaningful experiences, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to represent a nation with such kind and generous people.

As the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, I thank all the nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals, manufacturing workers, truck drivers, and so many others who are working to save lives.

We grieve for the families who have lost a loved one due to the pandemic. Every life is precious, and I ask all Americans to use caution and common sense to protect the vulnerable as millions of vaccines are now being delivered.

In the midst of this hardship, we have seen the best of America shine through. Students have made cards and delivered groceries to our Senior Citizens. Teachers have worked twice as hard to keep our children learning.

Families have come together to provide meals, supplies, comfort and friendship to those in need.

Be passionate in everything you do but always remember that violence is never the answer and will never be justified.

When I came to the White House, I reflected on the responsibility I have always felt as a mother to encourage, give strength, and teach values of kindness. It is our duty as adults and parents to ensure that children have the best opportunities to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.

The passion for helping children succeed would drive my policy initiative as First Lady.

I launched Be Best to ensure that we as Americans are doing everything we can to take care of the next generation. Be Best has concentrated on three pillars: well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse.

In a few short years, I have raised awareness of how to keep children safe online; we have made incredible progress on our nation’s drug epidemic and how it impacts the lives of newborns and families, and we have given a voice to our most vulnerable children in the foster care system.

Internationally, Be Best has evolved into a platform that encourages world leaders to discuss issues impacting the lives of children and allows them to share solutions. It has been an honor to represent the American people abroad. I treasure each of my experiences and the inspiring people I have met along the way.

As I say farewell to my role as First Lady, it is my sincere hope that every American will do their part to teach our children what it means to Be Best. I ask parents to educate your children about the courageous and selfless heroes who worked and sacrificed to make this country the land of the free. And to lead by example and care for others in your community.

The promise of this Nation belongs to all of us. Do not lose sight of your integrity and values. Use every opportunity to show consideration for another person and build good habits into your daily lives.

In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us. To rise above what divides us. To always choose love over hatred, peace over violence, and others before yourself.

Together, as one national family, we can continue to be the light of hope for future generations and carry on America’s legacy of raising our nation to greater heights through our spirit of courage, goodness and faith.

No words can express the depth of my gratitude for the privilege of having served as your First Lady.

To all the people of this country: You will be in my heart forever.

Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.