“So today, I can report that, as promised, the rest of our troops in Iraq will come home by the end of the year.  After nearly nine years, America’s war in Iraq will be over.

Over the next two months, our troops in Iraq — tens of thousands of them — will pack up their gear and board convoys for the journey home.  The last American soldier[s] will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high, proud of their success, and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops.  That is how America’s military efforts in Iraq will end.”

President Barack Obama

The full text of the president’s remarks on the whitehouse.gov website.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama shares a moment with a soldier at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, August 31, 2010

 Before speaking to the nation tonight, President Barack Obama flew to Texas to visit the soldiers at Fort Bliss in El Paso. Troops at Fort Bliss have participated in every phase of the seven-and-a-year war in Iraq and continue to service in the new support role. The President went there to say “thank you” from a grateful nation. Later from the Oval Office, President Obama kept a campaign promise and ended the controversial war

“I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans.  We’ve now been through nearly a decade of war.  We’ve endured a long and painful recession.  And sometimes in the midst of these storms, the future that we’re trying to build for our nation — a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity — may seem beyond our reach.

But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and commitment.  It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century.”

The full text of President Obama’s address to the nation on the White House Blog.

Photos: Pete Souza/White House

President Barack Obama paid a surprise visit to Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq yesterday, before ending his eight-day foreign trip and returning to the White House early this morning. The president met with U.S. military commanders and Iraqi leaders for an update on the war situation. Then Obama got a wild and enthusiastic greeting from the troops, which included handshakes and even a fist-bump. Also, the president awarded the Purple Heart medal to several brave U.S. soldiers.

 The president addressed the troops and said: “Under enormous strain and under enormous sacrifice, through controversy and difficulty and politics, you’ve kept your eyes focused on just doing your job.  And because of that, every mission that’s been assigned — from getting rid of Saddam, to reducing violence, to stabilizing the country, to facilitating elections — you have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country.  That is an extraordinary achievement, and for that you have the thanks of the American people.”  The full text and more photos are on The White House Blog.