Above all, the past few days have been a shining example of how Americans open our homes and our hearts to those in need and pull together in tough times to help our fellow citizens prepare for and respond to, as well as recover from, extraordinary challenges, whether natural disasters or economic difficulties.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Delivers a Statement on Hurricane Irene

Opening the service, Greater Manchester Police chaplain the Reverend Charles Nevin said: "The depth of sorrow and grief we all feel, touches all our hearts" adding that everyone had come together to "acknowledge the great gift of Fiona's life".

BBC: PC Fiona Bone: Manchester Cathedral funeral for shot PC

But while John and I take great joy in having been able to spend time together this week as a family, our hearts go out to the thousands of families who have had to leave their homes once again due to devastating weather.

NPR: Transcript: Cindy McCain's Speech

Like it or not, we are all in this together. (Applause.) And I know that if we put our hearts and our souls into this, if we do what we need to do during these next couple of years, then we can continue to make that change we believe in.

WHITEHOUSE: Remarks by the First Lady at DNC event in Washington, DC