There's a whole generation coming up behind us that was engaged, inspired, worked for change during the course of my presidency, saw what was possible.

This massacre in Orlando is therefore a further reminder of how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon that lets them shoot people in a school or in a house of worship or a movie theater or in a nightclub. And we have to decide if that's the kind of country we want to be. And to actively do nothing is a decision, as well.

Learning to stand in somebody else's shoes, to see through their eyes, that's how peace begins. And it's up to you to make that happen. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.

We are running out of time

Over the last 15 months, we've traveled to every corner of the United States. I've now been in 57 states? I think one left to go.

I'm told there's a saying from those ancient times, kalos kai agathos, when someone or something is good and beautiful on the outside, but is also good and noble on the inside in terms of character and in terms of purpose. And I think that's a fine description of the friendship that exists between the Greek people and the American people.

If there's even one thing we can do - even one life we can save - we have an obligation to try