President Honors Veterans, Families at USS Intrepid Ceremony

[Belated but heart felt]

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2008 – On his last Veterans Day as commander in chief, President Bush paid tribute to all those who have worn the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard during a speech at the USS Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.

"Today we send a clear message to all who have worn the uniform: Thank you for your courage, thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you for standing up when your nation needed you most.

"The war on terror has required courage; it has required resolve equal to what previous generations of Americans brought to the fields of Europe and the deep waters of the Pacific, and I'm proud to report to my fellow citizens, our armed forces -- the armed forces of this generation -- have showed up for the fight, and America is more secure for it."

"They are representative of the finest our nation offers. And they have the support of strong and caring and loving families," he continued. "And so on this Veterans Day, not only do we honor those who have worn the uniform, those who are wearing the uniform -- we honor their families."

During his speech, Bush noted that he is often asked what he's going to miss about the presidency once he leaves office.

"The truth of the matter is, I will miss being the commander-in-chief of such a fabulous group of men and women -- those who wear the uniform of the United States military,"

he said.

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