Welcome the first lady of the United States, misses melania trump. Mrs. Melania trump. [cheers and applause] good evening. It seems like just yesterday that we were at our First Convention where my husband accepted the republican nomination and then became our 45th president of the United States. Enthusiasm for who should lead this nation, it is clear today as it was four years ago. I know i speak for my husband and the entire family when i say we have not forgotten the incredible people who were willing to take a chance on the businessman who had never worked in politics. Electedit was you who him to be commanderinchief and we know it is you who will carry us through again. By the humbled incredible support then and we are still grateful today. Factt to acknowledge the that since march, our lives have changed drastically. ,he invisible enemy, covid19 swept across our beautiful country and impacted all of us. My deepest sympathies goes out to all of you who have lost a loved one and my prayers are with those who are ill or. Uffering i know many people are anxious and some feel helpless. I want you to know you are not alone. My Husbands Administration will not stop fighting until there is an effective treatment for vaccine available to everyone. Donald will not rest until he to take carehe can of everyone impacted by this terrible pandemic. I want to extend my gratitude to all of the health care professionals, frontline workers, and teachers, who stepped up in these difficult times. Despite the risks to yourself and your own families, you put our Country First and my husband and i are grateful. Americans have come together in such an unfamiliar and often frightening situation. This that wes like will look back and tell our grandchildren that your kindness and compassion, strength and determination, we were able to store the promise of our future. Businesses stepped up and volunteers stepped in. People were eager to share ideas, resources, and support of all kinds with neighbors and strangers alike. It has been inspiring to see what the people of our great nation will do for one another, especially when we are at our most fragile. Speaking of strength and determination, we recently celebrated the 100 Year Anniversary of the passage of. He 19th amendment yesterday on the north lawn of built an house, we exhibit dedicated to womens suffrage. The exhibit called on children from across the country to send art honoring the meaning of this important time in womens history. When i was judging the entries, i reflected on the impact of womens voices in our nations story and how proud i would be to cast my vote again for donald this november. We must make sure that women are heard and that American Dream continues to drive. Growing up as a young child in slovenia, we were under communist rule at the time. I always heard about an amazing place called america, a land that stood for freedom and opportunity. As i grew older, it became my goal to move to the United States and follow my dream of working in the fashion industry. Toparents worked very hard ensure our family could not only live and prosper in america, but also contribute to a nation that allows for people to arrive with a dream and make it reality. I want to take the moment to thank my mother and father for all they have done for our family. It is because of you that i am standing here today. [applause] i arrived in the United States when i was 26 years old, living and working in the land of opportunity with a land come true but i wanted more. I wanted to be a citizen. After 10 years of work, i studied for the test in 2000 six and became an american citizen. [applause] it is still one of the proudest moments in my life, because with hard work and determination, i was able to achieve my own American Dream. As an immigrant and a very independent woman, i understand what a privilege it is to live here and to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities that we have. Have beenady, i fortunate to see the American Dream come true over and over again. I have met many inspiring women, children, parents, and families who have overcome lifechanging issues that include addiction, members who, family are ill or passed away, abuse of all kinds, and many other challenges that will make most people give up. The past three and a half years have been unforgettable. There are no words to describe how honored, humbled, and fortunate i am to serve our nation as your first lady. After many of the experience s i have had, i dont know if i can fully explain how many people i take home with me in my heart each day, from brave soldiers who give up so much so we can be free, to children of all circumstances who weigh have met around the world, thank you for inspiring me. It is my greatest honor to serve you. Members of the military, despite sacrificing time with your families, experiencing the fear of war or suffering loss, they have no regrets about serving our country. Theirme goes for families, and the families of watchresponders who often their loved ones walk out the door, not sure if or when they will come home. When i speak to families who have lost someone, the pain mixed with pride i hear in their voices is something i think about often. Thank you to all who serve our country in the military and as first responders. And thank you for the families who wait for them. You are our heroes in your own right. Moved by theeen many children and families that spent time with hospitals, schools, and other locations around the world. Children who are dealing with pain or illness that would break even the strongest adult. Parents who are grateful to wake up every day and see that their child is still alive. These families are a testament to what faith and medicine, strength in science can do. International trip as first lady, my husband and i visited places of great significance to the three major religions, islam, christianity, and judaism. One special memory of the trip is of a young boy i had privilege of visiting in rome, italy. While there, i read the little boy a story and learned that he and his family had been waiting for a heart for a very long time. Grim prognosis. The situation brought my staff and me to tears. As weke of a little elf got ready for the next part of our trip. Upon landing a few hours later, we learned a heart had been donated and would be going to the little what. Often, along him with so many young faces across our own country. And sadlyund unavoidable examples of our countrys strength and character have appeared in the communities that have been impacted by Natural Disasters. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding shows the ugly side of mother nature, but they can show us a beautiful side of humanity. My husband and i have visited many places that have been affected by Natural Disaster and we are deeply moved by the strength of the people who have lost everything. And the kindness of neighbors and communities. The Common Thread in all of isse challenging situations the resolve to help one another. I recognize the stories i just told about people who survive extraordinary circumstances, but donald and i are also inspired by the millions of americans who wake up each day with a simple yet courageous goal of providing for their families and keeping them safe. You are the backbone of this country. Youre the people who continue to make the United States of america what it is. And who has the incredible responsibility of preparing makee generations to everything better than when they found it. Just as you are fighting for your family, my husband, our families, and the people in this administration are here fighting for you. Amount of negative or false media headlines or attacks from the other side, donald trump has not and will you. Ose focus on the he loves this country and he knows how to get things done. We have learned over the past five years he is not a traditional politician. He doesnt just speak words. He demands action and he gets results. The future of our country has always been very important to him. Alwaysis something ive admired. In fact, it is to help ensure age Better Future for the next generation. Be best has one simple goal, teaching youth about importance of their wellbeing both mentally and physically. This also includes understanding Online Safety and the danger of opioid and drug abuse. I haveest, my office and been able to highlight people, programs, and organizations doing extraordinary things in our country and around the world. I continue to believe that by shining a light on this positive examples, others across the country and globe will become to do their part for our next generation. Helping children is not a political goal, it is our moral imperative. When i think back to a defining moment of be best, my mind goes to a trip i took to africa. On that vast and beautiful continent, i was able to visit the countries of ghana, malawi, kenya, and egypt. One of those visits in particular had a profound impact on me. Africa the coast of west was the first stop in my trip and i experienced firsthand its warm people and their traditions. While there, i visited the cape castle and learned more about cruel anding of a often deadly journey in the era of the slave trade. I was horrified when i listened to the guides tell me so many inhumane stories and i gained new perspectives. History, wen our must never forget so that we can ensure that it never happens again. You, i have reflected on the racial unrest in our country it is a harsh reality that we are not proud of parts of our history. I encourage people to focus on our future while still learning from our past. Today weremember that are all one community, comprised of many races, religions, and ethnicities. And storied history is what makes our country strong , and yes, we still have so much to learn from one another. Likethat in mind, i would to call on the citizens of this country to take a moment, pause, and look at things from all perspectives. I urge people to come together in a civil manner so we can work and live up to our standard american ideals. Have also asked people to stop the violence and looting being done in the name of justice. And never make assumptions based on the color of a persons skin. Of tearing things down, lets reflect on our mistakes. Evolution andr look to our way forward. Every day, let us remember that we are one nation under god and we need to cherish one another. My Husbands Administration has worked to try and affect change when it comes to issues around race and religion in this country. He is the first president to to call upon countries upon the world to end religious prosecution and honor the right of every person to worship as they choose. He has made substantial investments in our historically black colleges and universities. This president also continues. To fight for School Choice this president also continues to fight for School Choice to giving parents the option to have their school flourished. My husband knows how to make a real change. From the dad met him, he has only wanted to make this country the best it can be. For many years, i watched him grow concerned and frustrated and i am so proud to see the many things he has done in such a short time. Sorica is in his heart, while at times we only see the worst of people in politics on the evening news, lets remember how we come together in the most difficult times. Debates rage on about issues of race, lets focus on the strides we have made and Work Together for a better tomorrow for everyone. Our administration has also devoted historical sources and produced lifesaving results by raising awareness around opioid addiction and drug abuse, especially for children. When so often the headlines are filled with gossip, i want to take this moment to encourage the media to focus even more on the nations drug crisis. This disease is one that affects everybody. It pays no attention to race, age, or socioeconomic status. Addiction has touched every part of our society in some way. Now more than ever, we have programs and medicine to combat it. We just need to talk about it openly, and you, the media, have the platform to make that happen. Industry and as a country, i ask we all commit to helping in the fight against drug addiction by talking about it even more, especially as we battle the covid pandemic, we need to remember that suicides are on the rise as people who are struggling with loneliness and addiction feel they have nowhere to turn. Parents, please talk to your children. Teachers and caregivers, Pay Attention to signs of addiction. Lawmakers, passed legislation that allows those who ask for help to do so safely and without for and provide resources organizations that help people impacted by addiction. When the stigma is removed, people will no longer be ashamed to ask for help and lives will be saved. If you are struggling with addiction, there is no shame in your illness. Please seek help. You are worth it. Years as firstr lady, i will continue to build upon be best and work with individual states to pass legislation to take care of our most vulnerable. I plan to continue the work i have started with children in foster care as well as the minority communities and tribal nations. I want to ensure children are being protected and communities have sources needed to combat drug addiction and child neglect or abuse. Husband and the administration, i will continue to encourage education and the support of child individual needs. It is vital that children are given the Building Blocks to succeed. I also look forward to continue my work to restore the peoples house, which is a lasting symbol of pride for our nation. I believe this iconic home needs tobe cared for and preserved be enjoyed by the people of this country and visitors from around the world for years to come. Passionate about this beautiful house, the grounds, and all they represent. Messagei have a special for the mothers of this country. This modern world is moving so fast and our children face challenges that seem to change every few months. Just like me, i know many of you know how manipulative social media can be. And just like me, im sure many of you are looking for answers how to talk to your children about the downsides of technology and their relationships with their peers. Like every parent in their country, i feel there are so many lessons to teach our sons and responsibilities as his mother, there are just not enough hours in the day to do it all. I remind myself that i am more fortunate than most and still have days i look forward to with strength to do the very best i can for him. Two mothers and parents everywhere, you are warriors. In my husband, you have a president who will not stop fighting for you and your families. I see how hard he works each day night, and despite the unprecedented attacks in the media and opposition, he will not give up. In fact, if you tell him he cannot be done, he just works harder. Donald [applause] donald is a husband who supports me in all that i do. He has built an administration with an unprecedented number of women in leadership roles and has fostered an environment with where the American People are always the priority. He welcomes differing points of view and encourages thinking outside of the box. Speak for my husband and the family when i say we are so grateful you have trusted him to be your president and we will be honored to serve this incredible country for four more years. [applause] as you have heard this evening, i dont want to use this precious time attacking the , because as we saw last week, that kind of talk only serves to divide the country further. Im here because we need my husband to be our president and commander in chief for four more years. For ourat is best country. We all know donald trump makes no secret about how he feels about things. Whether you like it or not, you always know what hes thinking. Is ahat is because he person who loves this country and its people and wants to continue to make it better. Donald wants to keep your family safe, he wants to help your. Amily succeed he wants nothing more than for the country to prosper and he doesnt waste time playing politics. Almost four years ago, we went into election day completely estimating estimated. Despite what is being said this year, i know americans will go to the polls and work on behalf of families, our economy and our National Security and our childrens future. To vote for those ideals is not a partisan vote. Vote a common sense because those are goals and hopes we all believe in. I believe we need my husbands leadership now more than ever in order to bring us back once again to the greatest economy and the strongest country ever known. God bless you all, your families, and god bless the United States of america. [applause] [applause] [applause] [applause] cspans live coverage of the Republican NationalConvention Continues tonight at eight 30 eastern with Vice President mike pence, second lady karen pence, and kellyanne conway. Cspan or listen with the cspan radio app. Streaming on cspan. Org rnc. Newsletter, word for word, offers a synopsis of the days events. Before the conventions evening session watch cspan for past speeches by actors including christopher reeve, clint eastwood, tommy lee jones, and scarlett johansson. You are watching cspan. Your unfiltered view of government. Created by americas cabletelevision companies as a Public Service and brought to you by your television provider. Washington journal, naomi lin of the Washington Examiner looks at the Republican National convention in charlotte. An authored discusses Vice President mike pence who will be at the rnc tonight