George W. Bush: “Our armies of compassion need men and women like you.”

The American economy has consistently proven its strength and resilience in the face of shocks such as natural disasters, high energy prices, and the terrorist attacks of September 11.

That is the America I know.

The actions taken by my Administration in response to the financial crisis have laid the groundwork for a return to economic growth and job creation.

For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence—a time set apart.