The President: My fellow Americans,
Confidence in the American economy has reached levels
not seen in many, many years.
Unemployment fell to its lowest level in nearly ten
years last month, and we created 211,000 new jobs.
Our economic progress is especially good news for
the millions of young Americans who, at this
time of the year, are putting on a cap and gown
and receiving a diploma, certificate,
or commission.
So important, and we are so proud of them.
This weekend, I am delighted to be
participating first hand in the excitement by
joining the students and faculty at Liberty
University to celebrate the success of their graduates.
I was invited to make the commencement address at
West Point, but I will be away at the G7 - and I
look forward to that - and will be at West Point,
Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy.
Come to think about it, a few days later, I will
actually travel to New London, Connecticut, to
speak to the graduating cadets of the United
States Coast Guard Academy about their new roles
serving our country.
So we'll be with them very shortly.
To young Americans at both schools, I will be
bringing a message of hope and optimism about our
nation's bright future.
That is a message that I want to extend to all
young Americans today, especially those who are
graduating this year and entering the labor force.
We are also celebrating all of the Americans who
learn the skills and trades that generations of
workers have used to build, shape, and
supply this nation.
The people who construct, repair, and create with
their own two hands are the people who make
this nation run.
And lots of those people voted for me.
That's also why, in my Administration, I am so
deeply committed to technical and vocational education.
I want you to know that my administration is working
every single day to create new opportunities and to
reverse years of stagnant growth, falling wages,
and disappearing jobs.
We are ending the sellout of American workers-and
lifting the burdens on American industry,
manufacturing, and businesses.
We are rolling back the job-killing regulations
that make it harder for companies to grow and
hire in America.
At the same time, we are unleashing American energy
development to create thousands of new jobs on
our soil and just off our shores.
On trade, we have also taken historic action to
protect American industry and bring back the kinds
of high-paying jobs that can support a middle class
family - and in fact, most families.
As a vote of confidence in these policies, business
optimism is soaring and employment is rising.
These are great signs for America's future - the
future that our new graduates will play with
such a critical role in shaping our world
and our country.
I want every young citizen - regardless of education
or geography - to be able to live out
their American Dreams.
So to all of America's graduates, congratulations.
And to all of America's youth: we are here to help
create the jobs and future you deserve.
The brightest days are ahead of you.
And I just look forward to seeing you at the Coast
Guard Academy, and at Liberty University.
Thank you.
God Bless You.
And God Bless America.