President Obama's farewell speech at the White House

US President Barack Obama today gave a farewell speech in his hometown of Chicago. Mr. Obama revealed that this will be an opportunity for him to thank Americans for standing by him during his two terms in office and also a call to action for the next generation of leaders.

President Obama appeared in the auditorium

The President stepped onto the stage to a warm welcome from the large number of guests and people present in the hall. "It's good to be home. Thank you," President Obama began his speech in a choked up, emotional speech.

Before President Obama spoke, the whole hall sang the national anthem.

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

People waiting in line

Marina Jenkins, one of those waiting in line to get inside the hall, shared her thoughts: "This is a bittersweet night. Many of us supported President Obama's 2007 campaign and now we are once again united for the last time. I almost cried this morning thinking about saying goodbye to the President. But the important thing is that I am here now, meeting all the people who have worked all this time to make the President's policy positions a reality."

People wait in the cold outside where Mr. Obama will 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 10 (9 a.m. January 11 Vietnam time).

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 White House staff and former staff.

President Obama and his wife (Photo: AP)

Since the time of President George Washington, US presidents have traditionally delivered their final speeches to the nation, using them as an opportunity to reflect on their upcoming term and the future of the country. However, this will be the first time a US president has returned to his hometown to deliver such a meaningful speech.

This event has attracted the attention of many Americans when last weekend, thousands of people, despite the cold and snow, lined up from early morning hoping to receive tickets to attend.

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

Revealing a few things about the speech, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that it will be a transition speech, and instead of aiming to summarize achievements, President Obama wants to consider it a call to action for the next generation of American leaders. Valerie Jarrett, advisor to President Obama said: "The focus of the speech is not to reflect on what we have achieved in the past 8 years, but how to maintain those achievements."

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

According to Ms. Psaki, the reason President Obama chose Chicago to deliver his final speech is because this is not only his hometown but also where his political career began.

In a Facebook post, President Obama wrote: "For (First Lady) Michelle and I, Chicago is where it all began. It is the city that showed us the strength and beauty of the American people. America is a story that cannot be told in a few minutes, but from generation to generation. We make America better and stronger for generations to come."

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

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