It was a powerful and emotional sendoff and it meant a lot to staff.
As most employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) marked their final day with the agency, they were honored with heartfelt messages from two former presidents and a rock star. The words weren’t just symbolic, they were deeply felt by staff who have spent their careers serving others.
Former President George W. Bush reminded them, “You’ve shown the great strength of America through your work, and that is our good heart.” President Barack Obama called the decision to dismantle USAID “a colossal mistake,” adding, “To many people around the world, USAID is the United States.” He urged staff to take pride in all they’ve done, preventing disease, fighting hunger, building schools, even as they face uncertainty. And Bono, in a moving video message, said what many were thinking: “They called you crooks, when you were the best of us, there for the rest of us.”
The messages struck a chord. Staff said they felt seen, respected, and proud. One said it was the first time in weeks I’ve felt hope. Another said, It reminded me why I joined in the first place.
In a moment of heartbreak, it was a moment of solidarity. And a reminder: this work mattered.
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