04/17/2008
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"I have made the right decisions for this country when it comes to prosperity and peace."
"Serving the public—that public service is worthwhile."
"I hold the families in my thoughts and prayers."
"I believe that if we were to leave before this country had an opportunity to stabilize, it would confirm their sense that the United States is incapable of long-term commitments."