"Years ago, you told me you couldn't promise me the world, but you could promise an interesting life. In reality, you've done even more, giving me both," Michelle Obama said, holding a tissue at the 18/6 event.

As Michelle Obama spoke about the values her husband consistently pursued in life—"equality, understanding, sincerity, inclusion, and fairness"—former president Obama was visibly moved to tears.

The former first lady recounted the challenges and obstacles Obama faced during his presidency, ranging from personal attacks to national tragedies, alongside his achievements during his 8 years in the Oval Office.

"You always gave your best, and in doing so, you reminded us that we can too," she stated. Attendees cheered when the former first lady mentioned his Nobel Prize.

She praised Obama's "unwavering" approach to criticism, false accusations, and the pressures of the political spotlight, noting that he "always remained focused, calm, and visionary."

"You always gave your best," Michelle said.

The former first lady also highlighted the current "time of anxiety and division." While not directly naming president Donald Trump, she asserted that "no one has the right to decide who is truly American," an apparent reference to the Trump administration's tightened immigration policies.

Former president Obama is moved while listening to his wife speak. *Photo: AP*

The Obama Center, spanning approximately 7,9 hectares, took 5 years to build. It features a museum, playground, one branch of the Chicago Public Library, and a sports center. The project, costing 850 million USD, opened to the public on 19/6.

The most prominent structure within the complex is a 69-meter-tall, 4-story granite truncated pyramid tower, almost windowless, which houses a museum dedicated to Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States.

The Obama Center Museum offers views of Chicago and lake Michigan. *Photo: Obama Foundation*

*By Hoang Lan (Based on CBC, USA Today)*