Dallas, Texas–(ENEWSPF)–July 12, 2016. Today, President Obama addressed the families of the fallen and the Dallas community to honor the five police officers who died in the line of service last Thursday. Watch his remarks:
Here are a few key moments from his address.
On the exemplarly lives of the five fallen officers:
“The reward comes in knowing that our entire way of life in America depends on the rule of law; that the maintenance of that law is a hard and daily labor; that in this country, we don’t have soldiers in the streets or militias setting the rules; instead, we have public servants – police officers – like the men who were taken away from us.”
On the police department and community of Dallas:
“I see what’s possible when we recognize that we are all one American family, all deserving of equal treatment and respect. That’s the America that I know.”
On whether the divides of race can be bridged:
“I’m here to say we must reject such despair. I’m here to insist that we are not as divided as we seem. I know that because I know America. I know how far we’ve come against impossible odds. I know we’ll make it because of what I’ve experienced in my own life, what I’ve seen of this country and its people as President. And I know it because of what we’ve seen here in Dallas – how all of you, out of great suffering, have shown us the meaning of perseverance, and character, and hope.”
On the need to act on what we know about existing challenges in our society:
“If we cannot even talk about these things – honestly and openly – not just in the comfort of our own circles, but with those who look different than us or bring a different perspective, then we will never break this dangerous cycle. So in the end, it is not about finding policies that work; it’s about forging consensus; fighting cynicism; and finding the political will to make change.”
On whether Americans can find the character to open our hearts to each other:
“That’s what we must pray for – each of us. A new heart. Not a heart of stone, but a heart open to the fears and hopes and challenges of our fellow citizens. That’s what we’ve seen in Dallas these past few days. That’s what we must sustain.”
Full transcript of remarks:
Remarks by the President at Memorial Service for Fallen Dallas Police Officers
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov
