Bush says military has his ‘undying love and respect’

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/bush-says-military-has-his-undying-love-and-respect-2009-01-06.html

President Bush on Tuesday, at a parade honoring him and the armed forces, praised the U.S. military and said the missions it carried out under his leadership have all been necessary.

“The decisions I made as your commander in chief have not always been popular, but the cause you have served has always been just and right,” Bush said. “The missions you have carried out have always been necessary, and the work you have done has been every bit as courageous and idealistic as that of any generation that came before you.”

Bush noted that, following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the U.S. has not been hit by another strike. He gave the military credit for taking the fight to the enemy and liberating Afghanistan and Iraq from hostile regimes.

“To the men and women of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and all those who serve in the Department of Defense, you have the respect of a grateful nation that you have kept safe,” Bush stated. “You have the admiration of millions around the world who would have never tasted freedom without you. You have the undying love and respect of a man who has been proud to call himself your commander in chief.”