George W. Bush: “We're determined to do everything in our power to defeat this enemy and to defend our people.”

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.

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.

We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe.