Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld waves farewell to the audience. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld waves farewell to the audience assembled at the Pentagon for his full honor departure ceremony on Dec. 15, 2006. The event was attended by an impressive list of dignitaries including President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace, and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. The President praised Rumsfeld’s vision and managerial skill as well as his humanity. Vice President Cheney called Rumsfeld the finest secretary of defense in the nation's history. Rumsfeld will be succeeded at the Department of Defense by former CIA director Robert Gates. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.04 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 715124-V-VAQ21-866.jpg Photo Gallery