My fellow citizens: When freedom needs defending, America turns to our military. In recent weeks, the world has witnessed what you already know: that our Armed Forces act with great skill, great courage, and great humanity. Images of Iraqi people welcoming our troops are a testament to the character of our men and women in uniform. Our forces were given a clear mission: to end the regime that threatened its neighbors and the world with weapons of mass destruction, and to free a people that had suffered for too long.

As you accomplished your mission, you treated innocent civilians with kindness, began delivering urgently needed food and medicine, and acted with the highest traditions of the United States military. Our whole nation is proud of you, and I am proud to be your commander in chief.

You choose to serve in defense of America and for the cause of freedom. You and your families deserve and have the gratitude of this nation and the full support of our government. We will continue to give you the tools and training you need to win our nation’s battles. And we will keep our commitment to improving the quality of life for all of our military families.

This nation has made another pledge. We will never forget the men and women who have fallen in service to America. We pray that their loved ones will receive God’s comfort and God’s grace.

All of you know that great military successes come from years of hard work, and training, and commitment. You stand tall in times of conflict and you stand ready in times of peace. For your daily effort, for your professionalism, and for your patriotism, I thank you on behalf of the people of the United States.

Welcome home. May God bless our country and all who defend her.