Thursday, November 7, 2019

1600 Daily The White House • November 7, 2019 In Photos: First Lady Melania Trump Visits Children at Boston Medical Center

1600 Daily
The White House • November 7, 2019

In photos: First Lady Melania Trump visits children at Boston Medical Center


First Lady Melania Trump traveled to Boston yesterday morning, where she highlighted a treatment program for babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The trip comes as part of her signature Be Best initiative for child well-being.

Photos: See the First Lady promote Be Best in Boston

“As you may know, this is an issue I am very focused on,” Mrs. Trump said from the medical center. “I hope today’s visit helps shine a light on programs like yours.”

During the visit, the hospital’s staff and leadership gave her a firsthand look at their innovative lineup of programs. First up was one called Project RESPECT, which provides medically assisted treatment to almost 200 women annually. Its mission is to create a more stable environment for mothers and their babies.

Another important program at the center is called CALM, which stands for “Cuddling Assists in Lowering Maternal and Infant Stress.” The initiative brings in volunteers from across the community to hold babies with NAS, offering them comfort while also decreasing withdrawal symptoms when a child’s parents aren’t available.

The final initiative the First Lady observed is called the Supporting Our Families Through Addiction and Recovery (SOFAR) Clinic.  The SOFAR Clinic, launched in 2017, focuses on the wellness of families as a whole during the lengthy addiction recovery process.

Mrs. Trump had the chance to meet firsthand with children and families currently enrolled in the SOFAR program“Be Best is dedicated to shining a light on programs similar to the ones I learned about today,” she said. “The programs implemented supply the necessary services and education to patients and families struggling with addiction.”

Learn more about the First Lady’s Be Best initiative.

Tonight, 9/11 hero posthumously honored by President


On September 11, 2001, Colonel Richard Rescorla saved nearly 2,700 lives at the World Trade Center in New York at the cost of his own.

During the attack on the Twin Towers, Rescorla—a commissioned officer in the Vietnam War—ignored a P.A. system announcement that urged people inside the building to shelter in place. Instead, he assisted in evacuating employees, directing them to stairwells and keeping everyone calm amid the growing chaos.

Then, rather than saving himself, Rick stayed behind to keep helping others. He said he would leave “as soon as I make sure everyone else is out.” He died when the South Tower collapsed at 9:59 a.m. ET.

Tonight, President Trump is proud to honor this American hero posthumously with the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Watch live: President Trump presents the Citizens Medal at 6 p.m. ET

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks
First Lady Melania Trump visits with patients and family members during a tour of the pediatric wing at Boston Medical Center | November 6, 2019

Bill Announcement

Office of the Press Secretary
On Thursday, November 7, 2019, the President signed into law:


S. 693, the "National POW/MIA Flag Act," which honors service members who are Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA) by increasing frequency of POW/MIA flag display on specified Federal properties. 

ONE NOMINATION SENT TO THE SENATE

Office of the Press Secretary
NOMINATION SENT TO THE SENATE:

     Dan R. Brouillette, of Texas, to be Secretary of Energy, vice James Richard Perry, resigning.

Presidential Proclamation on Veterans Day, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary
Veterans Day, 2019

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By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

 
     On November 11, Americans commemorate the service, sacrifice, and immeasurable contributions of our Nation's veterans who have proudly worn our country's uniform to defend and preserve our precious liberty.  As we celebrate Veterans Day, we pause to recognize the brave men and women who have fearlessly and faithfully worked to defend the United States and our freedom.  Their devotion to duty and patriotism deserves the respect and admiration of our grateful Nation each and every day.  We are forever thankful for the many heroes among us who have bravely fought around the world to protect us all.

     As Americans, it is our sacred duty to care for and support those who have shown courage and conviction in selfless service to our country.  Safeguarding the health and welfare of our Nation's veterans has been a top priority for my Administration.  Last year, I was proud to sign into law the VA MISSION Act, the most significant reform to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in more than 50 years.  This historic legislation allows veterans to seek timely care from trusted providers within their communities.  In 2018, I also signed the largest funding bill for the VA in history, securing $8.6 billion for veterans' mental health services, $400 million for opioid abuse prevention, and $270 million for rural veterans' health initiatives.  Further, I recently signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the Department of Education to discharge some types of Federal student loans owed by totally and permanently disabled veterans.

     We also must not forget or forsake our veterans in times of distress as they transition to civilian life.  That is why I signed an Executive Order in March addressing veteran suicide, a solemn crisis that requires urgent national action.  Through this step, we launched the President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS), which is bringing together all levels of government and the private sector to improve the quality of life for our veterans, identify and assist veterans in need, and turn the tide on this tragic crisis.

     Time after time, throughout the history of our Republic, veterans have defended our way of life with integrity, dedication, and distinction.  In respectful recognition of the contributions our service members have made to advance peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.  As Commander in Chief of our heroic Armed Forces, I humbly thank our veterans and their families for their willingness to answer the call of duty and for their unwavering love of country.  Today, we pledge always to fight for those who have fought for us, our veterans, who represent the best of America.  They deserve our prayers, our unending support, and our eternal gratitude.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2019, as Veterans Day.  I encourage all Americans to recognize the fortitude and sacrifice of our veterans through public ceremonies and private thoughts and prayers.  I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities.  I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.



                             DONALD J. TRUMP

 

Presidential Message on the National Day for the Victims of Communism, 2019

Office of the Press Secretary
Presidential Message on the National Day for the Victims of Communism, 2019

On this National Day for the Victims of Communism, we remember the more than 100 million people who have died as a result of communist oppression.  Today, we renew our commitment to helping secure for all people a future of peace and prosperity founded on the core tenets of democracy—liberty, justice, and a deep respect for the value of every human life.

This year’s National Day for the Victims of Communism coincides with the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.  On November 9, 1989, determined men and women put President Ronald Reagan’s powerful words into momentous action, tearing down that symbol of totalitarianism and sending a message to the entire world that democracy and the rule of law will always triumph over oppression and tyranny.  As we commemorate this milestone for human rights, we resolve to continue working with our allies and partners to ensure that the flames of freedom keep burning as a beacon of hope and opportunity around the globe.

As we pause on this day of remembrance to honor victims of communism everywhere, we must resolve always to safeguard the cherished liberties that foster peace and unleash unparalleled prosperity.  Together, we can build a future free from the evils of communism.