George W. Bush: “New Orleans' better days are ahead for the New Orleans people.”

We learned that bravery is more common than we imagined, emerging with sudden splendor in the face of death.

Is it in our interest that 25 million people who would have died now live? I think it is. On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your hard work and God bless 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.