Part 5/6:
A significant portion of the speech honored the men and women of the State Department—career diplomats, civil servants, and political appointees—whose expertise and sense of mission have shaped the department's impactful work. The speaker praised their dedication for making daily communications relatable, transparent, and informative for the American people. Over 200 days, they had led more than 200 interviews, daily briefings, and major announcements, often delivering breaking news in real-time from behind the podium.