The Obamas unveil their first-ever commissioned portrait together, painted by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, in the lobby of the new Obama Presidential Library.
Yesterday we welcomed the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, to the Abbey as part of her visit to the UK 🇯🇵🇬🇧
She laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in honour of all who have given their lives in the service of their country.
📷: Press Association
Happy birthday to Neil Patrick Harris!
Over the years, the actor has used his platform to support and encourage LGBTQ+ people, including offering heartfelt advice to a fan who reached out to him on Twitter in 2010 asking for guidance on coming out as gay.
Harris responded with a message that still resonates today: ��Stand tall. Be proud of who you are. Don't break promises. Want to learn. Represent well. But more than anything, be safe.” 🌈
📷 Getty
It was great joining Njideka Akunyili Crosby — a gifted Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist — to unveil our first portrait together. This piece reflects so many chapters of Michelle and my story, and we’re thrilled that it will be on display in the Hope and Change lobby at the Obama Presidential Center starting this Juneteenth.
“We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future." - President John F. Kennedy.
https://t.co/jPH64auS9Q
10 years ago today, 49 lives were taken at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL.
Today we remember them by name. We remember the joy they brought, the people they loved, the dreams they carried, and the impact they continue to have on so many lives.
Their stories did not end that night. They live on through their families, friends, and communities, and through those building a world with more love and less hate.
Forever remembered. 🏳️🌈❤️ #NeverForgotten #NOH8
Dear friends: I'm happy to share with you this new image from Fr. William Hart McNichols, "Mother of God, Seat of Wisdom," along with a meditation from Fr. Bill on this traditional title for the Blessed Mother. https://t.co/CdsPiYv2gF
Generation after generation, men and women put on the uniform knowing the risk — and went anyway knowing they might not come home. Knowing their families would carry that for the rest of their lives.
To the families still carrying that weight — I see you. The pain doesn’t go away, but neither does the pride.
Freedom has never been guaranteed. It has to be earned, defended, and sometimes paid for in the hardest way imaginable. Today on Memorial Day, we stop, we slow down, and we remember those who did.
We honor them.
We thank them.
And we work hard to live up to what they died for. Keep the democracy they believed in worth believing in. That is the ultimate tribute for their sacrifice.