Full Text of President George W. Bush's Farewell Address

(UPDATE: The President made very few minor changes to the prepared text in his actual delivery. We've made the changes in boldface below. President-elect Obama did not watch the speech live at Blair House, the presidential guest residence across Pennsylvania Avenue where he and his family are residing until they move to the big house Tuesday; Obama went out to dinner just as Bush's remarks were beginning in the East Room.)

Here's the prepared text of the Farewell Address to the nation by the 43rd president to be given in a few minutes from the White House. His audience in the East Room includes family, friends, Cabinet and some selected Americans the President has met in his eight years in office (We'll have a list of them here later. And BTW, we had a fun look at past presidential farewells here earlier today.):

Fellow citizens:  For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your president. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence – a time set apart. Tonight, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey that we have traveled together and the future of our Nation.

Five days from now, the world will witness the vitality of American democracy.  In a tradition dating back to our founding, the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you, the American people.  Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose story reflects the enduring promise of our land.  This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole Nation.  And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls. 

Tonight I am filled with gratitude – to Vice President Cheney and members of the Administration; to Laura, who brought joy to this house and love to my life; to our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna; to my parents, whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime.  And above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me.  I thank you for ....

...the prayers that have lifted my spirits.  And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years.   

This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house – September 11, 2001.  That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor.  I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock. 

I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93.  I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son’s police shield as a reminder of all that was lost.  And I still carry his badge. 

As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before Nine-Eleven.  But I never did.  Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our Nation.  And I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.

Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created.  The military, the intelligence community, and the FBI have been transformed.  Our Nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists’ movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots.  And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them. 

Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school.  Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.

There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions.  But there can be little debate about the results.  America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil.  This is a tribute to those who toil night and day and night to keep us safe – law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. 

Our Nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger.  I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families.  America owes you a debt of gratitude.  And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight:  There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander in Chief.

The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems.  Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder.  The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace. 

This is the belief that gave birth to our Nation.  And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens.  When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror.  When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. 

So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity.  We are standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria.  And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations. 

For eight years, we have also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home.  Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools.  A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled.  Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. 

The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs.  Vulnerable human life is better protected.  Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled.  America’s air, water, and lands are measurably cleaner.  And the Federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts. 

When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them.  Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted.  All Americans are in this together.  And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth.  We will show the world once again the resilience of America’s free enterprise system.

Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks.  There are things I would do differently if given the chance.  Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind.  I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right.  You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made.  But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.

The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course. 

While our Nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack.  Our enemies are patient and determined to strike again.  America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict.  But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them.  We must resist complacency.  We must keep our resolve.  And we must never let down our guard. 

At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose.  In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward.  But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger.  In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad.  If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.

As we address these challenges – and others we cannot foresee tonight – America must maintain our moral clarity.  I have often spoken to you about good and evil.  This has made some uncomfortable.  But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise.  Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. 

Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth.  We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace.

President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”  As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism.  America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself.  And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead. 

I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people.  This is a Nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom.  This is a Nation where citizens show calm in times of danger and compassion in the face of suffering.   We see examples of America’s character all around us.  And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening. 

We see America’s character in Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina.  We see it in Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society.  We see it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines. 

We see America’s character in Bill Krissoff, a surgeon from California. His son Nathan, a Marine, gave his life in Iraq.  When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news:  He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son.  This good man was 60 years old – 18 years above the age limit. 

But his petition for a waiver was granted, and for the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine.  Lieutenant Commander Krissoff could not be here tonight, because he will soon deploy to Iraq, where he will help save America’s wounded warriors and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.

In citizens like these, we see the best of our country – resilient and hopeful, caring and strong.  These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America.  We have faced danger and trial, and there is more ahead.  But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great Nation will never tire … never falter … and never fail.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President.  There have been good days and tough days.  But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country and uplifted by the goodness of our people.  I have been blessed to represent this Nation we love.  And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other: citizen of the United States of America. 

And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time:  Good night.  May God bless this house and our next President.  And may God bless you and our wonderful country. Thank you."    # # #

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Comments

[steve rodriguez]

Great job 43!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will go down in history as one of the best presidents! You have faithfully defended our nation! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sharmila Rao-Pence]

Thank you President Bush for keeping us safe these past years since 9/11/2001. May God bless you and your loved ones.

[John Santos]

To the idiot editors here.........and the moron who wrote this.....

President Bush (George W.) is the "43"rd POTUS moron, not the "44th". That would be your "Messiah's " number you pinhead(a). Does anyone there EVER copy-read ANYTHING? Apparantly not. Basic journalism 101. Hire me, I can fix it for ya but you wouldn't because I'd be better than you and fire most of you idiots and slackers.

You Liberals constantly continue to amaze me with your total stupidity. Thanks for the copy though, I've made good "hay" of it.

Fools, no wonder you're paper is about to put you ALL out of work.

[Indigo Red]

LA Times just can't get it right when it comes to this President. G.W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States, not the 44rd.

[Ruben]

Thanks to president Bush he did what he thought was best for our great nation and we need to thank him for that.

[Bob Coger]

I wonder if Wallsten ever repents.

[Steve]

Mr. President,

Thank you so much.

You've kept us safe. You've made the world a safer place and helped liberate the people of Afghanistan & Iraq.

I've often felt sorry for the relentless, often unfair, criticism that has been directed at your person.

You are a decent person, trying hard to do a virtually impossible job.

God bless you. May you and Laura have a beautiful life back in Texas.

Thank you so much for your service.

[Pstetwoo]

Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere.

Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right.

Wow... total hypocritical statement...

I guess the 90,000+ dead iraqi civilians aren't innocent people...

and bush's idea of "freedom" isn't an ideology...

[thomas carroll]

"Thank you President Bush for keeping us safe these past years since 9/11/2001. " Are you missing something?

Didn't 9/11 happen during his watch? How safe did he keep us then?

History will remember him as one of the worst. He may be a good-old-boy, but the job was way beyond his abilities.

[West]

That'll do, George, that'll do.

Vaya con Dios.

[suzyku]

I can't believe that anyone really believes that bush was a good President! He started a war that not only killed over 4000 Americans, maimed thousands more and killed who knows how many Iraqi's, he tried to and has almost been successful in ruining the middle class, the economy is in the tank thanks to his BAD economic policies, he's attempted at every turn to destroy the environment, he has been too stubborn to even try to "talk" to anyone he doesn't think agrees with his (out of line) ideologies, he's single handedly made the U.S. lose respect and credibility in the world and those are just "some" of the horrendous things he's managed to do while in office! I won't miss him, he didn't keep us safe, he's a stubborn fool and I say a big happy GOOD BY TO THE WORST PRESIDENT THIS COUNTRY HAS SEEN.

[suzyku]

I can't believe that anyone really believes that bush was a good President! He started a war that not only killed over 4000 Americans, maimed thousands more and killed who knows how many Iraqi's, he tried to and has almost been successful in ruining the middle class, the economy is in the tank thanks to his BAD economic policies, he's attempted at every turn to destroy the environment, he has been too stubborn to even try to "talk" to anyone he doesn't think agrees with his (out of line) ideologies, he's single handedly made the U.S. lose respect and credibility in the world and those are just "some" of the horrendous things he's managed to do while in office! I won't miss him, he didn't keep us safe, he's a stubborn fool and I say a big happy GOOD BY TO THE WORST PRESIDENT THIS COUNTRY HAS SEEN.

[g.gomez]

It would been very bold for you to admit your mistakes on your farewell address. But your stubborn side will be remembered as a President who united da whole word in rage and anger....I do hope you and Cheney will be tried for crimes against humanity...History will bring justice to the thousands of innocent lives that were lost over your greed of OIL...you will go down as the worst president of America.

[Bill]

Pstetwoo

"I guess the 90,000+ dead iraqi civilians aren't innocent people..."

Quoting a totally bogus and much discredited Lancet study doesn't advance your cause much, Sherlock.

thomas carroll

9/11 happened on his watch so he's at fault?

I guess that means Lincoln, Roosevelt, and whomever was in office during the war of 1812 were all to blame as well.

There weren't any attacks on US soil. No attacks = Safety. Or do you have some superior logic that will repudiate this ?

Grow up for Chissake.

[Scy]

Trash from a war criminal and clueless buffoon. Please go and go now. See you in court.

[thedecade]

Always felt safe w/ W. in charge

[Dr. Richard Rodriguez]

I'm sorry, but if anything, GWB (and his cronies) should be sent to prison for at least ten years, if not forever

Anyone who thinks this President has made the world a safer place is horribly deluded, and is completlely misinformed regarding the brazen subjugation of life and liberty that occured as a result of this administration's policies.

[steve rodriguez]

Thank You Get Real I feel honored!!!! You hate Bush so much that you've lost the ability to be objective!!!!!

[Ahhnold]

You know who else thought that what they were doing was just and according the the will of the people?

[Chris]

The defining moment of the Bush-Cheney regime will always be a pair of size-10 shoes flying towards Bush's head. It sums up the world's reaction to 8 years of lying, stealing, and murder for profit; all veiled by a veneer of arrogant folksiness, mean-spirited fundamentalist thinking, and clever "reinterpretation" of domestic and international laws to get away with it all. May their karma ripen quickly.

[MichelleO]

Thank you, Mr. President, for you tireless service and unwavering conviction. God Bless.

[Geoff]

How dare you even mention the name of Thomas Jefferson, Mr. Bush. Your only real legacy is the destruction of everything Mr. Jefferson stood for. That you, King George, of all tyrants, would have the audacity to quote the man who wrote our Declaration of Independence ... a Declaration ironically against yet another tyrant by the name of George.

Don't go back to Texas. Texas is too good for you. Buy a ticket to the Netherlands, and turn yourself in to the Hague for prosecution as the bloodthirsty tyrannical war criminal you are.

I hope you live FOREVER Bush, so that you can see just how much the world hates you, and watch every evil act you did undone. You should live to see every history book in the world curse your name, and hear from every mountain top and low valley of America a chorus of condemnation that you were the worst person ever to have held the Presidency. I want you to watch as every one of the crimes you committed in secret are revealed, one by one, to the world and to a shocked American public, so that you can hear yourself cursed, and see your effigy burn, over and over and over again.

I want you to feel the hate of the American people you betrayed burn in your stomach, and smell the stench of your fettered corruption as it rots away. So that many decades from now, when you finally lie on your deathbed as a feeble, shriveled corpse, the last breath escaping from your wrinkled lips, you will know that your entire life on this planet was a waste, that you will be remembered only with hate, and that in the next life, you will burn in hell for what you have done.

Did I mention your policies were all evil? I'd say "farewell," but clearly I wouldn't mean it.

[FRIEDA]

He will be missed. As middle eastern american, no other American president has done as much as President Bush.

Most american president loved to side with Middle eastern dictators, President loved the dissident of Middle East.

HE WILL BE MISSED...

[T.Y.]

A message to Bush and Comapny:

Good bye and good riddance!

It's too bad that when I look at my calender, there are still four days to go until the inauguration - four more days for Bush to have a chance to mess even more things up.

The damage that this guy has created is unprecedented in US history - so great that generations of Americans will suffer the consequences of decisions he made in the past eight years.

Again I say - Good bye and good riddance.

[JB]

“So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity”. Well, I wonder whether the little children of Gaza and the many Muslim (and other) American citizens who have been racially profiled or detained without warrant feel America is promoting their rights and dignity?