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.

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

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.

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.

We all need to pick up where John Lewis left off

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

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

John Lewis didn't die. He just finished the race before us and is just waiting for us to finish it and join him in heaven. RIP Rep. John Lewis

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

Full sentences? Rhetoric aimed towards unification and cooperation? Embracing everyone's vote? What is this, 2012?

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!!!

Obama will never be replaced as my president. He's simply the epitome of leadership. Miss the Obama family.

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

TRULY refreshing to hear such a LITERATE, sincere, leader speak. VOTE BYE-DON 2020. This is my VERY FIRST YEAR EVER VOTING.

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.

Now this is a President who actually reads the Bible.

Perseverance. A more perfect union. A more just society. We have so much to do. Vote like your life depends on it...

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

I haven't felt at peace and relief in a long time just in this moment of a eulogy that only President Obama could deliver...Thank you!

Remember when Obama smoking cigarettes was a major criticism of his presidency.. oh how times have changed

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

He did not speak of how incredible he was or how unfairly he was treated by "fake news". How refreshing!

So this is what a real president looks like! It's seems like such a long time.....

I actually enjoyed his speech - did not cringed or was in disbelief what I just heard. It feels good to hear speech level over 4th grade. Wow

The 44th president spoke a true message of hope and determination. We shall overcome and we must stay the course. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

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.

A true leader and a great man and great President

Wow. Whole coherent sentences. We used to take that for granted.

President Obama’s speech was one of the best I’ve ever seen! This should be played on repeat in the lead up to the election!

President Obama spoke on John Lewis behalf. Thank you!!!

President Obama literally puts me at ease... my blood pressure lowers and I have no anxiety.... I also sleep much better after one of his speeches. I’m not even joking.

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

Wow! How a real eulogy is done. Pure class.

This is a president, this is leadership. Nothing but absolute respect for President Obama.

Thank You, Barack... Mr. President... We miss you, sir... Rest In Power John Lewis...

I miss presidents being presidential. This is so needed right now to remind us of the right way to lead our country.

Having the courage to stand up for what is right, even if you have to do this alone. That is real heroism. Rest in peace.

Reasurance that the world has not lost their minds.

Amen, Sir. What a spectacular eulogy!

When I hear the word “presidential,” there’s an image in my mind. This is what it looks like. Listening to this man brought so much peace to my heart - peace I hope our United States of America can find.

In searching for this, I was astounded to see how many funerals Obama has spoken at. Literally the top sender-offer in chief.

Mr. Lewis you packed a lot into your “ - “. The world is a better place because you were in it! RIP THANK YOU! ❤️🇨🇦

Watching Obama and Bush speak reminded me of how normal our presidents used to be. 🍻

I miss Obama sooo much, and I'm Canadian! SUCH a HIGH QUALITY man! ❤❤❤

I miss the days when people called evil evil.....

This is a beautiful eulogy, got a lump in my throat...this is America 🇺🇸 the country I Love

Thanks for this beautiful message! My John Lewis Rest In Pease🙏🏻

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.

Oh how I miss a president who can complete sentences.

Thank you for posting

Trumps Eulogy: To my evangelical followers, I say, Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV.!!

God bless you Pres. Obama, and Rep. Lewis. Love you both. Such honorable men

This is what a president sounds like.

My President! What really touched me today was how sincere George W. Was.

John Lewis was a very courageous man. We need more like him....Now...

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!

Struck down, but not destroyed!!!

Imagine if THAT dude was our president...

Thank you President Obama!

It’s good to hear the adults in the room talk for a change!!!!

A remarkable man being eulogized by a remarkable man who became President because of the sacrifices of John Lewis and other remarkable people, keep up the good trouble.....Obama will always be my President

Thank You John Lewis you ran the race and kept the Faith🙏🏽

How I miss having an intelligent, empathetic, intellectual, and eloquent president. We had a president who didn't have to take a brain damage test in which he would have to point at an elephant and boast about it later. Just saying....

I miss you Mr. President. I felt safe on your watch. I don't feel safe now. This was a beautiful tribute.

Eloquence and Class. What a beautiful tribute to a great man.

I miss this SO MUCH. A unifying message.

Amazing job President Obama. It was really hard to not cry. RIP John Lewis

Hopefully more white people will see this and wanna get into some "good trouble"

One beautiful human celebrating the life of another beautiful human. 💙🙏🏼🌊

Barack Obama is a born orator; what an amazing speech this was.

This makes me so sad.. I remember Obama's victory speach the night he won the election. It was so moving, myself and my whole family were in tears. It was such a beautiful moment that I will never forget being only 19 yrs old at the time. My parents had just lost everything after the great recession. Hearing Obama spoke to me and enabled me to get a higher education and pursue a career I never thought I would have. This man tried so hard to bring us all together. Unfortunately it reflected that we still had a serious race problem in our society. I stand by you as a white man and thank you for inspiring me Mr. Obama. We are all equal and I truly believe you will go down as one of the greatest Presidents of all time. Thank you sir

A real president

I miss you so much.

Very well spoken for a True American Hero.

On an unrelated note, the worst part of watching a RU-vid video is looking through the comment section.

By far the best statesman ever. Unlike the current one!

Wow. An actual real life U.S. President. It's a site for soar eyes.

I miss an articulate President. A President with a true moral center. A President who understood not only the power but the importance of the Presidency.

What a lesson in public speaking. Outstanding speech

We shan't give up, we shall keep on marching until we get there by his grace Ameen

I might not agree with his politics but man it is nice to hear this guy talk. Incredibly articulate and charismatic. Refreshing. Makes you realize how dumbed down Trump has made the public discourse.

God I miss him.

This is what “Presidential” looks like. Thank you Presidents Bush, Clinton & Obama.

So moving. Thank you, President Obama for this tribute to a great, humble, giant of a man. And thank you for reminding us of such beautiful oratory, given in the name of John Robert Lewis.

I miss having a president.

Obama doing what John Lewis promoted. “When you see something wrong, speak up, get in good trouble” he’s doing just that.

I cried so much in this event. John Lewis must be ordained to sainthood. VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE. Bring back the soul of this country.

Capacity for Greatness. Thank you President Obama for reminding us of the possibilities to make this country better. I miss your intelligent, empathetic, intellectual, and eloquent leadership.

Wonderful man. Wonderful President.

Brilliant. And just what John Lewis would have wanted him to talk about -- voting and inclusiveness

Now that’s how a true President is supposed to act, think and sound like!!!

Thank you

Obama's eulogy did honor John Robert Lewis. He knew the man quite well. And he called upon all of us to do our part to get out and vote and to forgive our enemies and try to help others. How I wish he were still our president !

Terrific speech -- full of kindness, gentleness, wisdom, and true patriotism -- such a refreshing change from our current POTUS. Thank you, President Obama.

These words are a balm to my soul. Let's make America GOOD again.

Thank you, President Obama, It's on all of US now : Get On The Bus There's a few empty seats lately...

My President