President Barack Obama, the first sitting U.S. president to visit Puerto Rico in a half century, Tuesday declared "my administration will stand by you.", according to UPI. Obama waved to crowds jammed behind barriers waving flags as he walked from Air Force One to a speaker's platform at Muniz Air National Guard Base following a flight from Miami where he attended three fundraisers Monday night. "I am so grateful for the unbelievable reception," Obama said. "As you know, the last President to come to San Juan and address the people of Puerto Rico was John F. Kennedy, nearly 50 years ago. Now, at the time, I was about four months old -- so my memory of this visit is a little hazy. What I do remember is that when I came here to campaign, I promised that I would return as President of the United States. And although my hair is a little grayer than during my first visit, I am glad to be able to keep that promise to the people of Puerto Rico." Obama noted a presidential task force has completed its report on Puerto Rico's status, providing "a meaningful way forward … so that the residents of the island can determine their own future. And when the people of Puerto Rico make a clear decision, my administration will stand by you." Obama pledged to give Puerto Rico the help it needs to educate its children and provide jobs for its residents.
