Barack Obama's full eulogy at John Lewis's funeral

That’s a Eulogy. That’s an Orator. That’s Presidential.

I miss the days when presidents ( regardless of party ) were presidential.

John Lewis, the civil rights leader and congressman who died on July 17, wrote this essay shortly before his death: Opinion | John Lewis: Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division. Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity. That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, though I was admitted to the hospital the following day. I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on. Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time. I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me. In those days, fear constrained us like an imaginary prison, and troubling thoughts of potential brutality committed for no understandable reason were the bars. Though I was surrounded by two loving parents, plenty of brothers, sisters and cousins, their love could not protect me from the unholy oppression waiting just outside that family circle. Unchecked, unrestrained violence and government-sanctioned terror had the power to turn a simple stroll to the store for some Skittles or an innocent morning jog down a lonesome country road into a nightmare. If we are to survive as one unified nation, we must discover what so readily takes root in our hearts that could rob Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina of her brightest and best, shoot unwitting concertgoers in Las Vegas and choke to death the hopes and dreams of a gifted violinist like Elijah McClain. Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice. He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself. Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it. You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, through decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Continue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others. Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring. When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide. John Lewis, the civil rights leader and congressman who died on July 17, wrote this essay shortly before his death.

A true leader and a great man and great President

Such an eloquent and heartfelt eulogy—Mr. Lewis memory deserves no less. God bless the United States of America.

The fact that some people feel more secure and content hearing our current president speak, as opposed to this, is absolutely incredible to me. I mean, you OBJECTIVELY sense sincerity, composure, positivity, and competence from Obama when he speaks. It is the EXACT OPPOSITE with Trump.

Those who do not understand the dignity here I feel sorry for you in your void of hatred. I feel sorry that you feel you must put others down to elevate yourselves. That's why a bully can only feel better when he demeans other people. He has nothing else to offer , nothing of substance or value. That's why he needs to cheat and lie to gain attention. If you need to suppress other people to hold power, then all that you are is a lie. Less than 100 days to go - thank god.

i miss you i miss you I miss you and your family in the white house and all that that meant it was joyful kind loving and filled with integrity knowledge of oppression and you nailed it thank YOU!

Thank you Mr. President - you give me hope. We need you now more than ever.

I live n' Canada but I still love AMERICA. Thank U for this on this day 7/30/2020 G.B.A.

I can’t believe how refreshing that was. That whole service got me hype, wanting to get into some of that good trouble.

I didn’t know I needed this until now I was just reminded of what a president is and the definition of public service

The fact that some people find Obama's rhetoric divisive and Trump's unifying shows how much further we as a nation have yet to go.

It’s nice to listen to a president and not have to worry about him gloating or encouraging hate. It was calming to listen to him. Not anxiety inducing.

I wish I had half the conviction or bravery that John Lewis had.

It was so good to hear your voice. A man of conviction and integrity.

"Not from turning on each other, but by turning towards one another" is a wonderful part of his eulogy...

I am Canadian, but I just respect and admire this man! This is what a president should be! John Lewis must be so happy and honoured.

Our nation elected a man like Obama twice. We know how to do it. Now we must work together to correct our huge national mistake. All is not lost if we have the courage to act. Vote!!!

Rest in Power and Glory Mr. Lewis. May the "good trouble" you helped start in this mighty Nation go on to the valleys and the peaks, until all peoples are equal and breath free. God bless the United States, and God bless John Robert Lewis.