Press Release
☷Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at The Costume Institute s 2022 Spring Exhibition
White House ( By Press Release office)
May 02,2022
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art , New York , NYNo matter the words we choose or the speeches we give , the world sees the totality of who we are . The way we carry ourselves , how we put our shoulders back when times are hard , or offer a friendly smile even when we don’t agree . How we choose to show up for our communities—the small acts of kindness that are remembered long after they are offered . And that includes what we wear . Beautiful or dissonant , finely - crafted or thrown together—our style helps us express things that can’t be put in words . We reveal and conceal who we are with symbols and shapes , colors and cuts—and who creates them . The history of American design is rich and deep . It is a story of innovation and ingenuity , of rebellion and renewal . It has often been written by those in the shadows , not recognized for their influence and art . But here at the Met , their stories are told . Their voices are raised and their work can shine . And that’s why I was so excited to accept Anna’s invitation to join you to celebrate this incredible exhibit and the education that is such a critical part of your mission . As an English teacher , I have always believed in the power of language . But since I’ve become First Lady , I’ve been reminded that it’s only one way we communicate . A few months ago , as the President was preparing for the State of the Union address , my mind was a world away . Like so many Americans , I was transfixed by the news of Ukraine , the bombings , the parents weeping over their children’s broken bodies in the streets . As the State of the Union approached , I knew the only thing that would be reported about me was what I was wearing . So , I ordered sunflower appliqués—the flower of Ukraine and a symbol of hope and solidarity—and had one sewn on the cuff of my dress . It was small—but it shined against the deep cobalt - blue of my sleeve . And that night , sitting next to the Ukrainian ambassador , I knew I was sending a message without saying a word: that Ukraine was in our hearts—and that we stood with them . Earlier today , I announced that , at the end of this week , I’ll be headed to Romania and Slovakia to visit our troops and spend Mother’s Day with Ukrainian families who’ve been displaced by Putin’s war . As a mother myself , I can only imagine the grief families are feeling . I know that we might not share a language , but I hope that I can convey—in ways so much greater than words—that their resilience inspires me , that they are not forgotten , and that all Americans stand with them still . As we celebrate the designers and the fashion that has shaped the very identity of America , I hope it will inspire all of us to keep learning . I hope it will help us to see the beauty and art that surrounds us every day . And most importantly , I hope it will remind us to be bold and brave . Thank you all for what you do and enjoy the exhibit!Thank you . ###
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