Michelle Obama holds back tears as she thanks military caregivers for 'unsung' service with Tom Hanks
Former First Lady Michelle Obama, on October 23, attempted to hold back her tears while giving an impassioned speech, thanking military caregivers for their important and often unrecognized sacrifices.
Obama was addressing veteran and military caregivers in the audience on Wednesday night after winning the Hidden Heroes Champion Award. The award was reportedly given by The Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Hidden Heroes campaign, which hopes to bring attention to nearly six million family members and loved ones who care for military veterans.
Shortly after the campaign's creator, former North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole gave her opening remarks, actor and activist Tom Hanks also made an appearance and addressed the audience.
"Can I just have a glass of water, please? Because quiet frankly with Senator Dole's praising of me I think I choked on my ego back there," Hanks said to raucous laughter.
Hanks, during his speech, recounted how his involvement with the campaign and then turned his attention to the former first lady. As he introduced Michelle Obama, the actor recalled how she was chosen for the award.
"Well, we wanted to recognize someone who was there for our caregivers in the early days. A national leader who understood and took hold of the issue before most. When the foundation thought who that leader might be, the choice was obvious and immediate," Daily Mail quoted Hanks as saying.
As Michelle Obama appeared on the stage, the entire room stood up to applaud her. "It's been so meaningful to partner with this foundation on issues that we're all so passionate about", she said. "To be honored in this community of caregivers, veterans and their families is truly overwhelming."
"But I also feel empowered because I know everything I've done on this issue pales in comparison to literally every single service member, every caregiver, every veteran, every military spouse and child I have ever met", she continued. "Yeah, I'm giving speeches, but I'm not managing a household all alone while my loved one is serving overseas."
The former first lady, then fighting back her tears, thanked the members of the military: "You all have changed me forever. You've changed the way I see service. The way I see war. You've changed the way I see this entire country. We see you. Because your power is not that you just adjust to the new normal. You thrive in it. You all are an inspiration."