By Marianna Brady

President Obama returned home to Chicago for his final remarks to the nation as commander-in-chief in a moving farewell speech on Tuesday. The speech was attended by a diverse group of about 18,000 supporters, including celebrities and politicians, according to The Chicago Tribune.

We covered the event live on Snapchat; you can view our story from the farewell below.

Cheers from the crowd drowned out the president several times over the course of his hour long speech. Referencing the roots of his political journey, the president encouraged people to run for office, organize locally and to always have hope.

“If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself,” said the president.

Attendees of the speech braved the frigid winter cold to wait in line for free tickets to Obama’s farewell on Saturday.

Among the attendees, supporter Pamela Akins-Schanette from Evanston, IL said she believes, “President Obama has done an excellent job at being the president for all people and not just a select group.”

Follow MEDILL Reports on Snapchat at medillreports. Reporter Marianna Brady is also on Snapchat at mariannabrady.