Category: May 2012

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Apia, Samoa to attend the 50th Anniversary of Independence, on June 1, 2012. The Honorable David Huebner, U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa, will lead the delegation. Members of the Presidential Delegation: The Honorable Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, U.S.…

Today, ahead of the start of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season which begins on Friday, President Obama was briefed on federal preparations for the upcoming hurricane season and steps FEMA and its federal partners have already taken to continue to build coordination with state and local partners in hurricane-prone areas. The briefing included Assistant to…

Earlier today President Obama held a videoconference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti.  They discussed developments in Europe, following up on the discussions held at the G-8 Camp David Summit and at the informal meeting of European Union Leaders last week.  Leaders agreed to continue to…

South Court Auditorium 11:35 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you very much.  Everybody, please have a seat.  Have a seat.  I want to begin by recognizing the members of Congress who are here today.  All of them did outstanding work on this legislation.  In particular, I want to thank Steny Hoyer, Congresswoman…

East Room 5:17 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you!  (Applause.)  Well, welcome to the White House, everybody.  I hope you’re having fun.  Excellent. I want to recognize Ambassador Michael Oren, and thank him for his work representing our great friend, the state of Israel.  I want to recognize and thank all the members of Congress…

The full text of the op-ed by President Barack Obama is printed below. The piece was published today in Military.com, Military Times and Stars and Stripes. Keeping faith with Vietnam veterans By President Obama Today, all across America, we’re coming together to remember our men and women in uniform who gave their lives so that…

Accepts Honor During Visit with First Female Navy Submariners As part of the Joining Forces initiative to honor, recognize and serve military families, today at the White House President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama met with the U.S. Navy’s first contingent of women submariners to be assigned to the Navy’s operational submarine force. In…

Memorial Amphitheater Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia 11:39 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  Please be seated.  Good morning, everybody.  Thank you, Secretary Panetta, for your introduction and for your incredible service to our country.  To General Dempsey, Major General Linnington, Kathryn Condon, Chaplain Berry, all of you who are here today —…

The Vietnam War Memorial National Mall Washington, D.C. 2:27 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody.  Chuck, thank you for your words and your friendship and your life of service.  Veterans of the Vietnam War, families, friends, distinguished guests.  I know it is hot.  (Laughter.)  But you are here — to honor your loved ones. …