George W. Bush: “Diamonds also are critical to the economic growth and development of African and other countries.”

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.

This tax relief has been a key factor in promoting the economic growth and job creation of recent years, and it should be made permanent.

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.