George W. Bush: “Those affected by Rita will be treated the same way as those affected by Katrina.”

Is it in our national interests that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is, and so do you.

Being your President was a high privilege, and the honor of a lifetime.

Today, we remember your loss, we share your sorrow and we honor the men and women that you have loved so long and so well.

To you and the honored dead, our country is forever grateful.