The 2016 American presidential election has been sticky, messy, raucous and everything in between. It has been a vicious and hard fought battle that has led to an alarming amount of dissension and contention among people. In the heat of the moment, it is easy to forget what is truly important in life, but once the results were in, state leaders took to the stage to request unity, perspective and perseverance. These quotes from President Barack Obama, President-Elect Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton show what is truly important at a time like this:

1.

"Now it's time for America to bind the wounds of division. We have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and Independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It's time"- Donald Trump

2.

"It will be a movement comprised of people from all races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs who want and expect our government to serve the people - and serve the people it will. Working together we will begin the urgent task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the American dream." - Donald Trump

3.

"We have seen that our nation is more deeply divided than we thought. But I still believe in America and I always will. And if you do, then we must accept this result and then look to the future." - Hillary Clinton

4.

"So now, our responsibility as citizens is to keep doing our part to build that better, stronger, fairer America we seek. And I know you will." - Hillary Clinton

5.

"We've been through tough and divisive elections before and we've always come out stronger for it."- Barack Obama

6.

"Now, everybody is sad when their side loses an election, but the day after we have to remember that we're actually all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage. We're not Democrats first. We're not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We're patriots first.- Barack Obama

7.

"No dream is too big, no challenge is too great."- Donald Trump

8.

"And to the young people in particular, I hope you will hear this. I have, as Tim said, spent my entire adult life fighting for what I believe in. I've had successes and I've had setbacks. Sometimes, really painful ones. Many of you are at the beginning of your professional, public and political careers. You will have successes and setbacks, too. This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it. It is — it is worth it."- Hillary Clinton

9.

"The point, though, is; that we all go forward with a presumption of good faith in our fellow citizens, because that presumption of good faith is essential to a vibrant and functioning democracy." -Barack Obama

10

"So my friends, let us have faith in each other, let us not grow weary, let us not lose heart, for there are more seasons to come. And there is more work to do."- Hillary Clinton

11

"While progress isn't guaranteed, each of us has the power to choose our path, not just on nights like this, but everyday in between."- Barack Obama

We have a duty to come together as one people. We are all Americans. Don't let hate and harsh feelings into your heart, instead, be an example of kindness and hope the world needs right now.