Former presidents (from left) Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama place their hands over their hearts during the national anthem at the opening of the "Deep From the Heart: The One America Appeal" hurricane relief event at Texas A&M University in College Station on Saturday. | LM Otero/AP 5 former presidents attend hurricane relief event

With the American flag as a backdrop and surrounded by Texas A&M University singing cadets, all five living former presidents stood on stage together in College Station, Texas, on Saturday night to kick off a benefit concert to help raise money for hurricane victims.

President Donald Trump was not in attendance, but a video of his remarks was played.


"There is still work to be done in Texas and Florida. And our friends in Puerto Rico and the American Virgin Islands have only begun to dig their way out of what could be still a calamitous disaster," former President Bill Clinton said in remarks at the "Deep From the Heart: The One America Appeal" hurricane relief event held at Texas A&M University. "But it can be a new beginning if we just do what we ought to do and prove that the heart of America, without regard to race or religion, or political party, is greater than our problems,"

Former presidents Clinton, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all attended.

"All of us on this stage here tonight could not be prouder of the response of Americans," Obama said. "When they see their neighbors, and their friends, when they see strangers in need, Americans step up. And as heartbreaking as the tragedies that took place here in Texas and in Florida, in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been, but what we've also seen is the spirit of America at its best."

In the six weeks since the campaign began, more than $31 million has been raised from some 80,000 contributors, according to David Jones, chief executive of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation.

Carter, Clinton, Obama and George W. Bush all praised George H.W. Bush, with his son saying on stage that, "I speak here for the folks right here when I say we really admire and love George H.W. Bush."

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In his video, Trump said the nation has mourned those who have died as a result of the hurricanes, adding that Americans "pray for those who lost their homes or their livelihoods."

"In the aftermath of these terrible storms, the American people have done what they do best, we came together, we helped one another and through it all we remained resilient. We came together as one as we rush to the aid of Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands," the president said.

"Through this effort, all five living former presidents are playing a tremendous role in helping our fellow citizens recover. To Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Melania and I want to express our deep gratitude for your tremendous assistance. This wonderful effort reminds us that we truly are one nation under God all unified by our values and our devotion to one another," Trump continued.

Carter praised volunteers across the county and also advocated for Habitat for Humanity.

"Let's all work together to make America still a greater volunteer nation," the former president said.

On Saturday morning, Clinton said he was proud to be involved in the event.

"As Americans, we lift each other up. I’m proud to be a part of this night. Hope you’ll tune in," the 42nd president tweeted, linking to the One American Appeal livestream of the event.

Prior to the event, Obama also tweeted the livestream link and urged his people to join in.

"Tonight the ex-Presidents are getting together in Texas to support all our fellow Americans rebuilding from this year’s hurricanes. Join us," he tweeted.