Obama Presidential Center Holds its Grand Opening

Former President Barack Obama formally opened his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday with a call to defend democracy as three former presidents–Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton–joined him on stage in an extraordinary event featuring politicians, A-list celebrities, athletes and other internationally known figures.

"I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is and remind us what we can achieve when we embrace our shared responsibilities as citizens," the nation's first biracial president told the crowd.

Bono, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony and Eddie Vedder took turns on the stage ahead of Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder, who closed the show singing "Higher Ground" as the former presidents, world leaders and others danced along.

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