Former President Obama said serving as the country’s leader has been “the privilege of my life,” in a final address before departing Friday afternoon from Joint Force Andrews in Maryland.
“We could not be prouder, I could not be prouder,” Obama said in a brief address to longtime aides. “This has been the privilege of my life, and I know I speak for Michelle as well and we look forward to continuing this journey along with you.”
Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama flew via helicopter from the U.S. Capitol to Andrews, where they’re scheduled to depart for a two-week vacation in Palm Springs, Calif.
Obama thanked those who supported him through his two presidential terms and praised the military as “a group of committed patriots.” He was just a “front man” for regular Americans during his eight years as president, he said.
“Through this process — Michelle and I — we’ve just been your front man and woman,” Obama said. “We have been the face, sometimes the voice, out front on the TV screen or in front of the microphone, but this has never been about us. It has always been about you.”
Past presidents have sometimes but not always delivered public remarks before their final flight from Andrews. President Bill Clinton gave a final speech in 2001, but George W. Bush spoke privately to supporters in 2009.
Shortly after Obama flew away from Andrews at 1:45 p.m., the final pool report was issued: “This is the lid on the Obama presidency.”
