to our board chair, ambassador nicholas townsman, many members of our board who are with us, and to all of our distinguished guests, we welcome you and thank you for your support. millions of americans, and so many other visitors from every corner of the world, walk through our first ladies galleries each year. they experience not only the importance, grandeur, and elegance of the first ladies, but they reflect on how in our american democracy transitions of power are celebrated peacefully. exhibitions and collections like the one that will house mrs. trump's gown require this skill and passion of our extraordinary staff at the national museum of american history. they create what the public sees and loves, creating the transformative experience that only history can offer. and we thank all of the staff who have worked on this. just behind us lies the hallowed star-spangled banner, preserved for future generations with our stories of america. and to my right is the iconic statue of george washington offering his sword and the power it represents back to the people. these two national tr