Last night, President Bush addressed the nation from aboard the USS Lincoln in the Gulf, saying that major combat operations in Iraq are now over, noting: "In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed. And now our coalition is engaged in securing and reconstructing that country...In this battle, we have fought for the cause of liberty, and for the peace of the world." The President referenced 09/11 and, drawing upon world history, placed this current battle in the context of the long-standing American legacy of fighting for liberty. A lot has changed since 09/11 -- both in our global village and in my own life.
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It was sunny yesterday for the first time in weeks.
And this morning, our family was blessed with the arrival of my brother and his wife's first baby. For those that know our family well, the date could not have been more right.
Life is a gift. Give thanks.