CHICAGO — Hours before traveling back to Chicago one last time as president, Barack Obama has written a love letter to his adopted hometown.
"For Michelle and me, Chicago is where it all started," Obama wrote on his Facebook page, sharing a link that will allow people to watch his farewell address, set to start at 8 p.m. Tuesday. "It's the city that showed us the power and fundamental goodness of the American people.
"So tonight, I'm returning to where it all began to offer my most grateful farewell to the American people," Obama wrote. "I hope you'll join me — I want to thank you for everything you've done."
The "inherent strength" of Chicago helped him endure the darkest days of his presidency, Obama wrote.
"Because of you, we've come through them stronger," Obama wrote.
In his letter, Obama acknowledged that he leaves office with work undone.
"We've made America a better, stronger place for the generations that will follow," Obama wrote. "We've run our leg in a long relay of progress, knowing that our work will always be unfinished."
Obama administration officials have told reporters in advance of the speech that it will serve as a call to action for the next generation of politicians and community leaders.
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