Remarks by the Vice President and Governor Tim Walz at a Marching Band Practice in Hinesville, Georgia

GOVERNOR WALZ: Thank you all. Director Sohayda, thank you for that. To the staff that's here -- my -- my previous job to this was, of course, public school teacher and coach, which I wear with pride. To all of you, thank you. Thanks for having us in your school.

And thanks to all teams that are here. I think you kind of embody this idea -- and the vice president talks a lot about it -- each of our individual talents, what we can contribute, but something bigger than ourselves when you get together. Your single instrument alone is an amazing thing, but as part of this band, it becomes really amazing.

And then to see a school community, each and every one of these teams -- I said I coach football a lot -- but all of this is part of doing something bigger. And I think having us in here, stressing why the vice president says it often, that education is the key to the middle class, a pathway to the middle class. And it shouldn't be burdening you with debt; it should give you an opportunity to get there.

So, I think when we can get into a public school like this, when we're able to see you and tell you, it's not just -- the teachers here tell you. They know; they do this work. It's not a cliché. This is truly about building towards the future, and you're that future.

And so, when we're in a room like this, it lifts everybody's spirits; it lifts the country's spirits. And the vice president talks about that often, about the positive and the joyful work that we can do and the things that we're trying to make sure happen.

So, I'm just grateful that you have us here. I'm grateful to be part of the team with a really great head coach here in your next president of the United States, Kamala Harris. (Applause.)

THE VICE PRESIDENT: (Laughter.) So, you know, I've been hearing about you incredible young leaders for quite some time -- from the players, to those who are bringing joy, to everybody in the stands, to the music that you guys are creating.

And so, we wanted to come by just to let you know that our country is counting on you -- all of you. You are leaders by the very fact that you all are here in this room doing what you do at this incredible school, doing it as one big team, understanding all of the different parts that fit together to create a team.

You are doing some of the best work any leader can do. And we're so proud of you, and we're counting you. Your generation, all that you guys stand for, everything you have at stake is what is going to propel our country into the next era of what we can do and what we can be.

And I want to say to you that you must always lead as you have chosen to lead, understanding you don't have to ask anybody's permission to lead. And I think you all have figured that out. You've decided to be a leader. And in doing that, you are also role models. Right? Welcome to the role model club. (Laughter.)

And being a role model -- right? -- means that there are going to be members of your family, people who live in your neighborhood, your classmates who watch you to see, "Oh, that's how it's done." And in that way, you are showing what hard work can achieve, what discipline can achieve, what teamwork can achieve. And that's the stuff of great leadership -- all of you.

And so, we wanted to come by to remind you that our nation is counting on you. We're so proud of you and everything you have achieved.

And I will tell you, I was in band when I was your age. (Laughter.) So, I know a little bit about -- you know, Coach knows about the players. Right? And all that you all are doing, it requires a whole lot of rehearsal, a whole lot of practice, long hours. Right? Sometimes you hit the note; sometimes you don't. (Laughter.) Right?

But all that practice makes for beautiful music. And that is a metaphor that is symbolic for everything that you all will do in your lives, which is you're going to show what a winning team looks like; you're going to show what it means to put yourself out on the field, to put yourself in front of people, to have the confidence to do it. Sometimes you're going to hit the step right; sometimes you're not. Sometimes you're going to win the game; sometimes you may not.

But, you know, you never let any circumstance knock you down or slow you down. You just keep going at it. That's who you are, and that's why we are so confident in everything that you are doing and will continue to do for our country.

So, just keep being you and all of the excellence that you're bringing to everything you do. Okay?

All right. See you later. (Applause.)