Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDiego PinedaThursday 18 June 2026 20:04 BSTFull remarks: Michelle Obama delivers tear-jerking speech at grand opening of Obama CenterBarack Obama said the presidential center “will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is,” as he acknowledged America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.He reminded attendees that the U.S. was founded on “certain unalienable rights.” He also said that “in the newly independent United States, there will be no kings or lords, no serfs or subjects, but only citizens.”He added that citizens are “each of us free to pursue our own version of happiness and able to determine our collective fate through an elected representative government.”He referred to the “unfinished business” of his presidency and said they reflect his Oval Office reminder: “Hard things are hard.”He emphasized accountability in government, stating: “No one is above the law or beneath its protections.”In fullThe Clintons, Bidens and Bush attend star-studded Obama Presidential Center grand openingThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in