President Biden to deliver farewell address from Oval Office

Leaders of the clergy. Distinguished guests Most importantly, the Carter family. In April 2021. Jill and I visited Jimmy and Rosen on *** warm spring day down in Plains, Georgia. I wanted to see them. Rosalyn met us at the front door with her signature smile. Together we rented *** home that they had shared for almost 77 years of marriage. None assuming red brick ranch home. Reflects their modesty more than any trappings of power. We walked in the living room where Jimmy greeted us like family. That day Just the 4 of us sat in the living room and shared memories that spanned almost 6 decades. *** deep friendship that started in 1974. I was *** 31 year old senator. And uh I was the first senator outside of Georgia, I may be the first senator to endorse his candidacy for president. was an endorsement Based on, I believe, is Jimmy Carter's enduring attribute. Character Character Character Because of that Character I believe is destiny. Destiny in our lives and quite frankly destiny in the life of the nation. It's an accumulation of *** million things built on character. That leads to *** good life in *** decent country. Life of purpose, life of meaning. Now how do we find that good life? What does it look like? What does it take to build character? Do the ends justify the means? Jimmy Carter's friendship. Taught me And through his life taught me the strength of character. is more than Title or the power we hold. It's the strength to understand that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, that everyone, and I mean everyone deserves an even shot, not *** guarantee, but just *** shot. You know, we have an obligation. To give hate No safe harbor. And to stand up My dad used to say is the greatest sin of all, the abuse of power. That's not about being perfect. Because none of us are perfect. We're all fallible, but it's about asking ourselves, are we striving to do things, the right things? What values? What are the values that animate our spirit? To operate from fear or hope. Ego or generosity. Do we show grace. Do we keep the faith. When it's most tested. For keeping the faith With the best of humankind and the best of America. is *** story in my view from my perspective, Jimmy Carter's life. Star of *** man. State the obvious you've heard today from the great, great eulogies. Who came from *** house without running water or electricity. And Rose is the pinnacle of power. The story of *** man. Who was at once driven and devoted to making real. The words of his savior. The ideals of this nation. The story of *** man. Who never let the tides of politics divert him from his mission. To serve and shape the world. The man had character. Jimmy held *** deep Christian faith in God. And that his candidacy spoke and wrote about. Faith As *** substance of things hoped for. And evidence of the things not seen. Faith founded on. Commandments of scripture. Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and all thy mind and all thy soul. And love thy neighbor As thyself Easy to say. Very, very difficult to do. In his life In this life, any walk of faith can be difficult. It can be lonely But it requires action. To be the doers of the world. But in that commandment, Lies the essence, in my view found in the Gospel, found in many faith traditions, and found in the very idea of America. Because the very journey of our nation. is *** walk of sheer faith. To do the work To be the country we say we are. To be the country we say we want to be. *** nation where all are created equal in the image of God. And deserved retreated equally throughout our lives. We've never fully lived up to that idea of America. We've never walked away from it either. Because of Patriots like Jimmy Carter. Throughout his life. He showed us what it means to be *** practitioner of good works. And *** good and faithful servant of God and of the people. And today Many think he was from *** bygone era. But in reality, He saw well into the future. *** white Southern Baptist. Who led on civil rights. *** decorated Navy veteran who brokered peace. *** brilliant nuclear engineer who led *** nuclear nonproliferation. *** hardworking farmer who championed conservation and clean energy. The president redefine the relationship. With the vice president Jimmy and I often talked about our dear friend Walter Mondale. And we all miss very much. Together they formed *** model partnership. Collaboration and trust. Both were men of character. And as you all know, Jimmy Carter also established. *** model post presidency. By making *** powerful difference as *** private citizen in America, and I might add, as you all know, around the world. Through it all, he showed us how character and faith start with ourselves. And then flows to others. At our best We share the better parts of ourselves. Joy, solidarity, love, commitment. Not for reward But in reverence for an incredible gift of life. We've all been granted To make every minute of our time here on Earth count. That's the definition of *** good life. The life Jimmy Carter lived. During his 100 years. To young people, to anyone. In search of meaning and purpose. Study the power of Jimmy Carter's example. I miss him But I take solace in knowing. And he is beloved Rosaly. are reunited again. To the entire Carter family. Thank you, and I mean this sincerely for sharing them both. With America And the world We love you all. Jill and I will cherish our visits with them, including that last one in their home. We saw Jimmy as he always was. At peace With *** life fully lived. *** good life *** purpose and meaning of character. Driven by destiny. And filled with the power of faith. Hope and love. Say it again, faith, hope and love. As he returned to Plains, Georgia. For his final resting place. We can say goodbye. In the words of the Prophet Micah. Jimmy so admired until his final breath. Jimmy Carter Did justly Love mercy Walked thumbly May God bless *** great American, *** dear friend and *** good man. May he rise up, be raised up on eagle's wings. Bury the breath of dawn. Make you to shine like the sun. And hold you in the palm of his hand. God bless you, Jimmy Carter.