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Former First Lady Barbara Bush was honored by First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Thursday. President Donald Trump's wife hosted a ceremony, where a commemorative stamp of President George H. W. Bush's wife was unveiled. The event was attended by members of Barbara's family, including her daughter Dorothy "Doro" Bush Koch, in addition to friends and former staff members.
Melania, who was dressed in a pencil skirt, white top and blazer chicly draped over her shoulders, spoke at the ceremony, praising the late first lady's "unwavering conviction." In her speech, President Trump's wife, 55, said, "Barbara’s unwavering conviction, dignity and deep [loyalty] to her loved ones have left an indelible mark on our hearts and history. Your mother’s values can be seen in her family, friends and former staff who also join us here today, and continue her legacy."
Melania also called "strong American families" the "foundation of a healthy society and serve as a stepping-stone towards building a better world," adding, "The dynamics within American households shape our nation’s core values, strengths and collective wisdom."
"It is within the privacy of our homes and the principles of morality, ambition, and empathy take root. The family unit serves as our first line of foresight, often more influential than the decisions made in Washington, D.C. Barbara Bush’s iconic commencement address at Wellesley College in 1990 remains an important moment in the conversation surrounding women’s roles in society," Melania said. "Her message, which emphasized the importance of family and personal integrity, encouraged women to carve their own paths in life. Mrs. Bush exclaimed, 'Your success as a family—our success as a society—depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house.' The first lady further inspired her audience by highlighting the importance of pursuing personal dreams, stating, 'The winner of the hoop race will be the first to realize her dream. Not society’s dreams, her own personal dream. Who knows—somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House, and I wish him well.'"
"Over 35 years have passed since Barbara Bush made the call for a female American president, a reflection of her forward-thinking vision. As a devoted mother and one of only two First Ladies whose son also ascended to the presidency, she embodied the complex interplay of ambition and identity that defines us all. Mrs. Bush’s legacy is marked by her respect for tradition while also breaking with convention," Melania continued. "While she is known for championing literacy, she also supported women’s empowerment, changed the national conversation on AIDS, and took a stance supporting gay rights. I applaud Mrs. Bush’s mark defending our society’s vital need for women across all avenues, whether CEO or homemaker. We have, can and will build better families and run innovative businesses at the same time, ultimately shaping a brighter future. The unveiling of this commemorative stamp honors Barbara Bush's contributions as First Lady and her enduring impact on our nation. May this tribute inspire us to lead with compassion, act with strength and uphold the values that direct us toward meaningful existence."
Barbara — wife of the 41st president of the United States and mother of George W. Bush, the 43rd U.S. president — passed in April of 2018 at the age of 92. While President Trump did not attend her funeral, Melania was a guest at the service in Houston, Texas. After Barbara's passing, the White House released a statement that read: "President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush. As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well. The President and First Lady’s thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mrs. Bush."