The President: My fellow Americans,
This week, our nation was shocked and horrified when
a gunman opened fire on a Member of Congress.
Five people were wounded in the assault, including
a member of House Leadership - my good
friend, Steve Scalise.
Steve is beloved across Washington, he embodies
everything public service is about - he's dedicated
to his constituents, devoted to his values, and
deeply committed to his country.
I visited Steve, his wife, and his family in the
hospital as he continues to fight for his recovery.
435 Members of Congress, and 300 million Americans,
are pulling for him, praying for him, and
pledging to him our full and total support.
We continue to hold all of those wounded and fighting
for recovery in our hearts and prayers, including
Matt Mika, who was also badly wounded.
In that terrible crime, we also witnessed the
incredible heroism of Capitol Police.
Special Agent Crystal Griner - who I also had
the honor of meeting during my visit to the
Hospital - raced into gunfire, along with
Special Agent David Bailey.
They saved the lives of our Members of Congress
and prevented that dark day from becoming a
tragedy beyond imagination.
They, like so many other courageous police
officers, represent the very best of us.
We salute them, and we also salute members of
Alexandria Police, Fire and Rescue.
Though we have our differences, what unites
us is so much stronger: our love of country, our
devotion to its people.
Now more than ever, these values must guide us - and
bring us closer together.
Let us always remember that our job is to serve
and represent the whole American People - and that
we are all children of the same God.
This week, my Administration continues
our focus on providing economic opportunity for all.
On Thursday, I signed an Executive Order to launch
a groundbreaking new Apprenticeship Initiative
that will help young Americans learn the skills
they need to find a rewarding career, earn a
great living, and support themselves and their families.
We are celebrating the dignity of work and the
greatness of the American Worker.
American citizens have worked every job, every
occupation, no matter what it might be - no matter
how grueling, how challenging, or
even how dangerous.
They wash the windows on our tallest skyscrapers;
they create works of art from burning fire and
molten steel; they mine the earth and dive the
ocean depths to bring energy into our cities and
towns; they care for the sick, the elderly, and the
wounded; and they lay the bricks, mortar, rebar, and
concrete that give us places to live, to work,
and to thrive.
Today, this is the message I want every young
American to hear: there is dignity in every honest
job, and there is nobility in every honest worker.
Our Apprenticeship Initiative will make it
dramatically easier for employers, industry groups
and unions to create exciting new
apprenticeship programs that place students into
high-paying careers.
Instead of being racked with crushing student
debt, those who participate will earn
while they learn - think of that: earn while they learn.
Under our plan, young Americans will have a
pathway to exciting and fulfilling careers.
They will become brilliant technicians who revitalize
American manufacturing.
They will become welders who forge from fire
amazing works of iron and steel and art.
And they will become entrepreneurs who
revolutionize entire industries.
And these striving American citizens,
including millions of talented young American
women with tremendous potential, will become the
programmers who change the world with the next great
technological advance.
Every American deserves a path to a great job that
they truly love.
That begins with the right education - one that gives
students the foundation for a lifetime of success.
Every day, as your President, I will be
committed to this goal.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.