10:55 PM EDT: The President delivers remarks and answers questions with President Xi Jinping of China
Archive for November 11th, 2014
11
Nov
14
The President’s Day
President Barack Obama speaks during the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the Yanqi Lake International Convention Center in Beijing. Asia-Pacific and world leaders gathered for the annual summit, with free trade at the top of the agenda as they sought to narrow differences on how to open commerce across the vast region.
President Barack Obama shakes hands with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, third left, as China’s State Councilor Yang Jiechi, second right, stands by during a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping
President Barack Obama talks to Vladimir Putin during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Beijing
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President Barack Obama readies his shovel as he takes part in a tree planting at the International Convention Center at Yanqi Lake during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit
President Barack Obama talks with Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet after taking part in a tree planting at the International Convention Center at Yanqi Lake
President Barack Obama walks with China’s President Xi Jinping, at the Zongnanhai leaders compound ahead of a dinner
11
Nov
14
A Tweet Or Two
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https://twitter.com/TheObamaDiary/status/532230690390421504
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Bravo, John Legend. Fool that Piers Morgan is, he believes that if Black people stop using the N-word, then whites will have no reason to be racists. Give the man a trophy!
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https://twitter.com/Marmel/status/531794256998838272
https://twitter.com/jonlovett/status/530797744538267649
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https://twitter.com/jonlovett/status/531833095327330304
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https://twitter.com/dabeard/status/532235813195907072
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White House: BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Since the birth of our Nation, American patriots have stepped forward to serve our country and defend our way of life. With honor and distinction, generations of servicemen and women have taken up arms to win our independence, preserve our Union, and secure our freedom. From the Minutemen to our Post-9/11 Generation, these heroes have put their lives on the line so that we might live in a world that is safer, freer, and more just, and we owe them a profound debt of gratitude. On Veterans Day, we salute the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have rendered the highest service any American can offer, and we rededicate ourselves to fulfilling our commitment to all those who serve in our name.
Today, we are reminded of our solemn obligation: to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. As we continue our responsible drawdown from the war in Afghanistan and more members of our military return to civilian life, we must support their transition and make sure they have access to the resources and benefits they have earned. My Administration is working to end the tragedy of homelessness among our veterans, and we are committed to providing them with quality health care, access to education, and the tools they need to find a rewarding career. As a Nation, we must ensure that every veteran has the chance to share in the opportunity he or she has helped to defend. Those who have served in our Armed Forces have the experience, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve success as members of our civilian workforce, and it is critical that we harness their talent.
Across our country, veterans who fought to protect our democracy around the globe are strengthening it here at home. Once leaders in the Armed Forces, they are now pioneers of industry and pillars of their communities. Their character reflects our enduring American spirit, and in their example, we find inspiration and strength. This day, and every day, we pay tribute to America’s sons and daughters who have answered our country’s call. We recognize the sacrifice of those who have been part of the finest fighting force the world has ever known and the loved ones who stand beside them. We will never forget the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and all those who have not yet returned home. As a grateful Nation, let us show our appreciation by honoring all our veterans and working to ensure the promise of America is within the reach of all who have protected it.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation’s veterans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2014, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA
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My deepest appreciation to all of our TOD veterans (and the veterans in our individual families) … in advance of Veterans Day ~ at “the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month” ~ and always!
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A faded photograph
A comrade’s name and address
In the bottom of an old shoebox
Wondering if the uniform would still fit
And where the medals are.
Remembering how you missed
The home-cooked meals
And Sunday night dinner at Mother’s
And now you find yourself
Missing them again.
Remembering there was no escaping
Until your “hitch” was up
The sights and sounds
Your uncertainty you would prevail
Memories that burn in the night.
You are now a Veteran
A Veteran!
Duty has become honor
You kept your country free
You kept so many free.
And every time you see the flag
You see it through misted eyes
It hits you every time
It’s part of your story
Forever, a Veteran.
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https://twitter.com/bromoore/status/532161640104738816
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11
Nov
14
Rise and Shine
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Already Today (Beijing is 13 hours ahead of Washington, DC)
The President participated in a State Arrival Welcome Ceremony. Afterward, he participated in a bilateral meeting with President Xi and then delivered remarks to press. In the afternoon, he attended a State Banquet with President Xi. Afterward, he departed Beijing en route Naypyitaw, Burma. After arrival, the President attended an East Asia Summit Gala Dinner.
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Later This Week
Thursday
The President will attend an EAS plenary session followed by an U.S.-ASEAN session and hold a bilateral meeting with President Truong Tan Sang of Vietman. In the evening he will have a bilateral meeting with Burmese President Thein Sein. He will remain overnight in Naypyitaw.
Friday
The President will depart Naypyitaw en route Rangoon, Burma. While in Rangoon, he will meet with Aung San Suu Kyi at her residence. He will also participate in a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Town Hall. In the evening, the President will depart Rangoon en route Brisbane, Australia. He will remain overnight on Air Force One.
Saturday
The President will arrive in Brisbane, Australia. While in Brisbane, he will participate in official G20 events including a leaders retreat, a plenary session, a working dinner and a cultural presentation. He will also deliver remarks at the University of Queensland. He will remain overnight in Brisbane.
Sunday
The President will participate in two G20 plenary sessions and a working lunch. Afterward, he will participate in a press conference before departing Brisbane en route Washington, DC.
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President Obama Names Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom http://t.co/5BFRSJON2Y pic.twitter.com/1GTSXEHhnZ
— TheObamaDiary.com (@TheObamaDiary) November 11, 2014
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On This Day
President Obama greets Korean War veteran Private Hector Cafferata, who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic service at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War, following his remarks at Yongsan Garrison in Seoul, Korea, Nov. 11, 2010 (Photo by Pete Souza)
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Aboard the USS Carl Vinson, docked at North Island Naval Station in San Diego, Nov. 11, 2011
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MoooOOOooorning! Will catch up later in the day on the China trip – chat on!
11
Nov
14
Early Bird Chat
President Barack Obama shakes hands with staff and their families during a meet and greet at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China, Nov. 10, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
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MoooOOOooorning – Happy Tuesday!
The Obama Diary 
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