Barack Obama: “As Commander in Chief, I am deeply grateful for the service of all our men and women in uniform.”

No one was more skilled at bringing people together and getting legislation passed.

In forming our union, the founders fell terribly short of the Declaration's promise, leaving slavery intact, allowing states to restrict the franchise to white men who owned property.

America is currently experiencing anger and vision but we are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect.

I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is.