Bush Lauds Operation Iraqi Freedom Troops, Congress

  • Published
  • By Gerry J. Gilmore
  • American Forces Press Service
The commander in chief today saluted U.S. service members involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and members of Congress for endorsing a resolution supporting those troops.

"All of us involved here in Washington are extremely proud of the skill and bravery of our young Americans who are willing to sacrifice for something greater than themselves," President Bush remarked to reporters at the White House.

"As (Defense) Secretary (Donald H.) Rumsfeld said, we're making progress" in disarming Saddam Hussein and liberating the Iraqi people, Bush declared, after getting an update on the war from his senior advisers.

The president also praised members of Congress for the recent passage of House and Senate resolutions, "which said, loud and clear, our country supports the men and women in uniform. Not only do we support those brave souls who are sacrificing on our behalf, but we want to thank their parents and their families for their dedication, as well."

U.S. and coalition forces, Bush noted, "Will stay on task until we've achieved our objective, which is to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and free the Iraqi people so they can live in a society that is hopeful, and democratic, and at peace in its neighborhood."