I'm the President and the Commander-in-Chief. Do it my way.

Their sacrifice was great, but not in vain. All Americans and every free nation on earth can trace their liberty to the white markers of places like Arlington National Cemetery. And may God keep us ever grateful.

If our commanders on the ground say we need more troops, I will send them. But our commanders tell me they have the number of troops they need to do their job. Sending more Americans would undermine our strategy of encouraging Iraqis to take the lead in this fight. And sending more Americans would suggest that we intend to stay forever, when we are, in fact, working for the day when Iraq can defend itself and we can leave.

There's no such thing as legacies. At least, there is a legacy, but I'll never see it.

This business about graceful exit just simply has no realism to it at all.

I feel that it's important our professionals have the tools to keep the enemy, to stop their attacks.

Today we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise through civility, courage, compassion and character.