President Obama delivers his farewell speech at the White House.

U.S. President Barack Obama delivered his farewell address today in his hometown of Chicago. Obama revealed that this would be an opportunity to thank Americans for their support throughout his two terms and also a call to action for future generations of leaders.

President Obama appeared in the auditorium.

The President walked onto the stage to a warm welcome from the large crowd of dignitaries and citizens present in the hall. "It's so good to be home. Thank you all," President Obama began his speech, his voice choked with emotion.

Before President Obama began his speech, the entire hall sang the national anthem together.

Artists perform before Obama's speech (Photo: AP)

A line of people waiting

Marina Jenkins, one of those queuing to enter the hall, shared her feelings: "This is a bittersweet night. So many of us supported President Obama's 2007 campaign, and now we're coming together one last time. I almost cried this morning thinking about saying goodbye to the President. But what matters is that I'm here now, meeting everyone who has worked so hard to bring the President's policies to fruition."

People waited in the cold outside where Obama was to speak (Photo: Reuters)

According toReutersPresident Obama will deliver a speech at the McCormick Place convention center in his hometown of Chicago at 9 p.m. local time on January 10th (9 a.m. on January 11th in Vietnam).

In addition to First Lady Michelle Obama, the event is expected to be attended by Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden, as well as many current and former White House staff.

President Obama and his wife (Photo: AP)

Since the time of President George Washington, American presidents have typically delivered a final address to the nation, viewing it as an opportunity to reflect on their culminating term and the future of the country. However, this will be the first time an American president returns to their ancestral home to deliver this particularly significant speech.

This event has attracted widespread attention in America, with thousands of people braving the cold and snow last weekend to line up from early morning hoping to get a ticket to attend.

President Obama waves as he, along with First Lady Michelle and daughter Sasha, leaves the White House to board a flight back to Chicago. (Photo: Reuters)

Revealing details about the speech, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said it would be a transition address, and instead of summarizing achievements, President Obama wanted it to be a call to action for the next generation of American leaders. Valerie Jarrett, an advisor to President Obama, said: "The focus of the speech is not on reflecting on what we have accomplished over the past eight years, but on how to maintain those achievements."

President Obama's family prepares to board Air Force One to return to Chicago. (Photo: Reuters)

According to Ms. Psaki, President Obama chose Chicago to deliver his final speech not only because it is his hometown but also because it was the beginning of his political career.

In a Facebook post, President Obama wrote: "For me and (First Lady) Michelle, Chicago is where it all began. It's the city that showed us the strength and essence of the American people. America is not a story that can be told in minutes, but one that takes generations to tell. We help make America better and stronger for generations to come."

The Air Force One plane carrying President Obama's family landed in Chicago on the evening of January 10th. (Photo: Telegraph)

Minh Phuong/ Dantri