THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

January 17, 2017

Mr. Gerald Schmeer
Sandwich, Massachusetts

Dear Gerald:

Thank you for writing. Your reflections on the progress we’ve made together mean
a lot to me.

Messages like yours underscore that America is at its best when people from all
walks of life add their voices to our national conversation, and when we all come together
to shape our country’s course. Once I leave the Oval Office, I’ll rejoin you as a private
citizen of this great country of ours—a stronger America that has progressed further and
reached higher than many thought was possible. And while there are milestone moments
we will always remember, I want you to know that messages from people like you have
touched my heart and informed my Presidency. They’ve stayed with me and they’ve kept
me going—and they always will.

Again, thank you for writing to me. Our brand of democracy is hard, and we are a
constant work in progress. But I promise you that as long as I’m President and long after, I
will be standing right alongside you, as I always have been, working to ensure our Nation
lives up to our highest ideals and remains a beacon of hope and opportunity.

All the best,