English subtitles for clip: File:President Obama's speech at Camp Lejeune on 2009-02-27.ogv

1
00:00:01,133 --> 00:00:10,667
Thank you very much,
please be seated.

2
00:00:10,666 --> 00:00:16,533
To General Hejlik, for the
outstanding work that he is

3
00:00:16,533 --> 00:00:20,567
doing, thank you so much.

4
00:00:20,567 --> 00:00:22,065
Good morning, Marines.

5
00:00:22,065 --> 00:00:25,099
AUDIENCE: Ooh-rah!

6
00:00:25,100 --> 00:00:26,800
THE PRESIDENT: Good
morning, Camp Lejeune.

7
00:00:26,800 --> 00:00:28,467
AUDIENCE: Ooh-rah!

8
00:00:28,466 --> 00:00:29,966
THE PRESIDENT: Good
morning Jacksonville.

9
00:00:29,966 --> 00:00:34,833
(Applause.)

10
00:00:34,834 --> 00:00:38,667
Thank you so much for the
extraordinarily warm welcome.

11
00:00:38,667 --> 00:00:43,332
Just a few additional people I
want to note are here: Governor

12
00:00:43,332 --> 00:00:46,899
Bev Perdue of North Carolina
-- where is Governor Perdue?

13
00:00:46,899 --> 00:00:51,833
Stand up, please (Applause.)

14
00:00:51,834 --> 00:00:55,000
We have the new United States
Senator from North Carolina, Kay

15
00:00:55,000 --> 00:00:59,866
Hagan (Applause.)

16
00:00:59,866 --> 00:01:03,000
Members of the North Carolina
congressional delegation who are

17
00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:06,165
here today -- please
stand and wave.

18
00:01:06,165 --> 00:01:11,233
(Applause.)

19
00:01:11,233 --> 00:01:13,734
And thank you, Staff Sergeant
Mink, for the outstanding

20
00:01:13,733 --> 00:01:16,000
rendition of our
National Anthem.

21
00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:24,966
(Applause.)

22
00:01:24,966 --> 00:01:29,266
I also want to acknowledge all
of our soldiers, sailors, airmen

23
00:01:29,266 --> 00:01:33,066
and Marines serving in
Iraq and Afghanistan.

24
00:01:33,066 --> 00:01:36,500
And that includes the Camp
Lejeune Marines now serving with

25
00:01:36,500 --> 00:01:40,799
-- or soon joining -- the Second
Marine Expeditionary Force in

26
00:01:40,799 --> 00:01:46,200
Iraq; those with Special Purpose
Marine Air Force -- Air Ground

27
00:01:46,200 --> 00:01:50,734
Task Force in Afghanistan; and
those among the 8,000 Marines

28
00:01:50,733 --> 00:01:54,165
who are preparing to
deploy to Afghanistan.

29
00:01:54,165 --> 00:01:56,899
We have you in our prayers.

30
00:01:56,900 --> 00:01:59,500
We pay tribute to your service.

31
00:01:59,500 --> 00:02:04,165
We thank you and your families
for all that you do for America.

32
00:02:04,165 --> 00:02:07,866
And I want you all to know that
there is no higher honor or

33
00:02:07,867 --> 00:02:10,633
greater responsibility
than serving as your

34
00:02:10,633 --> 00:02:12,133
Commander-in-Chief.

35
00:02:12,133 --> 00:02:13,834
Thanks to all of you.

36
00:02:13,834 --> 00:02:22,667
(Applause.)

37
00:02:22,667 --> 00:02:25,900
I also want to take this
opportunity to acknowledge Ryan

38
00:02:25,900 --> 00:02:31,800
Crocker, who recently completed
his service as our Ambassador to

39
00:02:31,800 --> 00:02:32,933
Iraq.

40
00:02:32,933 --> 00:02:38,332
This is one of the unsung heroes
of this multi-year effort.

41
00:02:38,332 --> 00:02:42,599
Throughout his career, Ryan has
always taken on the toughest

42
00:02:42,599 --> 00:02:44,066
assignments.

43
00:02:44,066 --> 00:02:46,599
He is an example of the very
best that this nation has to

44
00:02:46,599 --> 00:02:49,933
offer, and we owe him a
great debt of gratitude.

45
00:02:49,933 --> 00:02:52,734
He carried on his work with
an extraordinary degree of

46
00:02:52,734 --> 00:02:56,033
cooperation with two of our
finest Generals -- General David

47
00:02:56,032 --> 00:02:59,833
Petraeus, and General Ray
Odierno -- who will be critical

48
00:02:59,834 --> 00:03:04,599
in carrying forward the strategy
that I will outline today.

49
00:03:04,599 --> 00:03:11,099
Next month will mark the sixth
anniversary of the war in Iraq

50
00:03:11,099 --> 00:03:15,400
By any measure, this has
already been a long war.

51
00:03:15,400 --> 00:03:19,567
For the men and women of
America's armed forces -- and

52
00:03:19,567 --> 00:03:23,332
for your families -- the
war has been one of the most

53
00:03:23,332 --> 00:03:26,667
extraordinary chapters of
service in the history of our

54
00:03:26,667 --> 00:03:29,099
nation.

55
00:03:29,099 --> 00:03:34,599
Many of you have endured tour
after tour after tour of duty.

56
00:03:34,599 --> 00:03:39,233
You've known the dangers of
combat and the lonely distance

57
00:03:39,233 --> 00:03:41,200
from loved ones.

58
00:03:41,199 --> 00:03:45,399
You have fought against
tyranny and disorder.

59
00:03:45,400 --> 00:03:51,066
You have bled for your best
friends and for unknown Iraqis.

60
00:03:51,066 --> 00:03:55,099
And you have borne an enormous
burden for your fellow citizens,

61
00:03:55,099 --> 00:03:58,366
while extending a precious
opportunity to the people of

62
00:03:58,366 --> 00:04:00,566
Iraq.

63
00:04:00,567 --> 00:04:04,200
Under tough circumstances, the
men and women of the United

64
00:04:04,199 --> 00:04:08,933
States military have served with
honor, and succeeded beyond any

65
00:04:08,933 --> 00:04:12,199
expectation.

66
00:04:12,199 --> 00:04:16,599
Today, I've come to speak to you
about how the war in Iraq will

67
00:04:16,600 --> 00:04:19,100
end.

68
00:04:19,100 --> 00:04:21,600
To understand where we need to
go in Iraq, it's important for

69
00:04:21,600 --> 00:04:25,867
the American people to
understand where we now stand.

70
00:04:25,867 --> 00:04:30,333
Thanks in great measure to your
service, and your sacrifice and

71
00:04:30,333 --> 00:04:36,834
your family's sacrifices, the
situation in Iraq has improved.

72
00:04:36,834 --> 00:04:41,432
Violence has been reduced
substantially from the horrific

73
00:04:41,432 --> 00:04:46,933
sectarian killing
of 2006 and 2007.

74
00:04:46,934 --> 00:04:51,567
Al Qaeda in Iraq has been dealt
a serious blow by our troops and

75
00:04:51,567 --> 00:04:54,966
Iraq's security forces, and
through our partnership with

76
00:04:54,966 --> 00:04:56,866
Sunni Arabs.

77
00:04:56,867 --> 00:05:01,867
The capacity of Iraq's security
forces has improved, and Iraq's

78
00:05:01,867 --> 00:05:06,900
leaders have taken steps towards
political accommodation.

79
00:05:06,899 --> 00:05:10,299
The relative peace and strong
participation in January's

80
00:05:10,300 --> 00:05:13,934
provincial elections sent a
powerful message to the world

81
00:05:13,934 --> 00:05:18,333
about how far Iraqis have come
in pursuing their aspirations

82
00:05:18,333 --> 00:05:23,100
through a peaceful
political process.

83
00:05:23,100 --> 00:05:29,266
But let there be no doubt: Iraq
is not yet secure, and there

84
00:05:29,266 --> 00:05:32,533
will be difficult days ahead.

85
00:05:32,533 --> 00:05:37,100
Violence will continue to
be a part of life in Iraq.

86
00:05:37,100 --> 00:05:40,333
Too many fundamental political
questions about Iraq's future

87
00:05:40,333 --> 00:05:42,834
remain unresolved.

88
00:05:42,834 --> 00:05:47,132
Too many Iraqis are still
displaced or destitute.

89
00:05:47,132 --> 00:05:51,332
Declining oil revenues will put
an added strain on a government

90
00:05:51,333 --> 00:05:55,500
that has difficulty
delivering basic service.

91
00:05:55,500 --> 00:06:00,300
Not all of Iraq's neighbors are
contributing to its security.

92
00:06:00,300 --> 00:06:03,834
Some are working at
times to undermine it.

93
00:06:03,834 --> 00:06:07,567
And even as Iraq's government is
on a surer footing, it is not

94
00:06:07,567 --> 00:06:11,165
yet a full partner --
politically and economically --

95
00:06:11,165 --> 00:06:15,500
in the region, or with the
international community.

96
00:06:15,500 --> 00:06:20,300
In short, today there is a
renewed cause for hope in Iraq,

97
00:06:20,300 --> 00:06:26,633
but that hope is resting
on an emerging foundation.

98
00:06:26,632 --> 00:06:31,399
On my first full day in office,
I directed my national security

99
00:06:31,399 --> 00:06:35,265
team to undertake a
comprehensive review of our

100
00:06:35,266 --> 00:06:39,266
strategy in Iraq to determine
the best way to strengthen that

101
00:06:39,266 --> 00:06:44,766
foundation, while strengthening
American national security.

102
00:06:44,766 --> 00:06:49,033
I've listened to my Secretary
of Defense, Robert Gates.

103
00:06:49,033 --> 00:06:53,000
I've listened to the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, led by Admiral

104
00:06:53,000 --> 00:06:57,600
Mullen, as well as the
commanders on the ground.

105
00:06:57,600 --> 00:07:00,834
We have acted with careful
consideration of events on the

106
00:07:00,834 --> 00:07:04,800
ground, with respect for the
security agreements between the

107
00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:08,867
United States and Iraq, and with
a critical recognition that the

108
00:07:08,867 --> 00:07:14,667
long-term solution in Iraq must
be political -- not military.

109
00:07:14,666 --> 00:07:17,933
Because the most important
decisions that have to be made

110
00:07:17,934 --> 00:07:24,333
about Iraq's future must
now be made by Iraqis.

111
00:07:24,333 --> 00:07:27,633
We've also taken into account
the simple reality that America

112
00:07:27,632 --> 00:07:31,466
can no longer afford to see
Iraq in isolation from other

113
00:07:31,466 --> 00:07:34,866
priorities: We face the
challenge of refocusing on

114
00:07:34,867 --> 00:07:39,165
Afghanistan and Pakistan; of
relieving the burden of our

115
00:07:39,165 --> 00:07:44,132
military and military families;
of rebuilding our struggling

116
00:07:44,132 --> 00:07:45,500
economy.

117
00:07:45,500 --> 00:07:51,132
These are challenges that
we must meet and will meet.

118
00:07:51,132 --> 00:07:55,332
Today, I can announce that our
review is complete, and that the

119
00:07:55,333 --> 00:07:59,867
United States will pursue a new
strategy to end the war in Iraq

120
00:07:59,867 --> 00:08:05,766
through a transition to
full Iraqi responsibility.

121
00:08:05,766 --> 00:08:08,733
This strategy is grounded in a
clear and achievable goal shared

122
00:08:08,733 --> 00:08:13,966
by the Iraqi people and the
American people: an Iraq that is

123
00:08:13,966 --> 00:08:18,699
sovereign, stable,
and self-reliant.

124
00:08:18,699 --> 00:08:22,065
To achieve that goal, we will
work to promote an Iraqi

125
00:08:22,065 --> 00:08:26,866
government that is just,
representative, and accountable,

126
00:08:26,867 --> 00:08:30,300
and that provides neither
support nor safe-haven to

127
00:08:30,300 --> 00:08:32,299
terrorists.

128
00:08:32,299 --> 00:08:35,833
We will help Iraq build new ties
of trade and commerce with the

129
00:08:35,833 --> 00:08:36,733
world.

130
00:08:36,734 --> 00:08:40,066
And we will forge a partnership
with the people and government

131
00:08:40,066 --> 00:08:43,500
of Iraq that contributes to
the peace and security of the

132
00:08:43,500 --> 00:08:46,166
region.

133
00:08:46,166 --> 00:08:49,300
But understand this, we --
here's what we will not do: We

134
00:08:49,299 --> 00:08:53,966
will not let the pursuit of the
perfect stand in the way of

135
00:08:53,966 --> 00:08:56,165
achievable goals.

136
00:08:56,166 --> 00:09:00,633
We cannot rid Iraq of every
single individual who opposes

137
00:09:00,633 --> 00:09:04,667
America or sympathizes
with our adversaries.

138
00:09:04,667 --> 00:09:09,133
We cannot police Iraq's streets
indefinitely until they are

139
00:09:09,133 --> 00:09:15,400
completely safe, nor can we stay
until Iraq's union is perfect.

140
00:09:15,399 --> 00:09:18,766
We cannot sustain indefinitely a
commitment that has put a strain

141
00:09:18,767 --> 00:09:21,867
on our military, and will cost
the American people nearly a

142
00:09:21,866 --> 00:09:24,165
trillion dollars.

143
00:09:24,166 --> 00:09:28,567
America's men and women in
uniform -- so many of you --

144
00:09:28,567 --> 00:09:32,399
have fought block by block,
province by province, year after

145
00:09:32,399 --> 00:09:36,066
year, to give the Iraqis this
chance to choose a better

146
00:09:36,066 --> 00:09:37,734
future.

147
00:09:37,734 --> 00:09:43,000
Now we must ask the
Iraqi people to seize it.

148
00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:46,700
The first part of this strategy
is therefore the responsible

149
00:09:46,700 --> 00:09:50,767
removal of our combat
brigades from Iraq.

150
00:09:50,767 --> 00:09:53,633
As a candidate for President,
I made clear my support for a

151
00:09:53,633 --> 00:09:57,767
timeline of 16 months to carry
out this drawdown, while

152
00:09:57,767 --> 00:10:01,600
pledging to consult closely with
our military commanders upon

153
00:10:01,600 --> 00:10:05,800
taking office to ensure that we
preserve the gains we've made

154
00:10:05,799 --> 00:10:08,632
and to protect our troops.

155
00:10:08,633 --> 00:10:11,934
These consultations are now
complete, and I have chosen a

156
00:10:11,933 --> 00:10:15,833
timeline that will remove our
combat brigades over the next

157
00:10:15,833 --> 00:10:18,966
18 months.

158
00:10:18,966 --> 00:10:25,966
So let me say this as plainly as
I can: By August 31, 2010, our

159
00:10:25,966 --> 00:10:42,165
combat mission in Iraq
will end (Applause.)

160
00:10:42,166 --> 00:10:48,433
As we carry out this drawdown,
my highest priority will be the

161
00:10:48,432 --> 00:10:54,133
safety and security of our
troops and civilians in Iraq.

162
00:10:54,133 --> 00:10:57,934
So we will proceed carefully,
and I will consult closely with

163
00:10:57,933 --> 00:11:01,100
my military commanders on the
ground and with the Iraqi

164
00:11:01,100 --> 00:11:02,834
government.

165
00:11:02,833 --> 00:11:05,933
There will surely be difficult
periods and tactical

166
00:11:05,933 --> 00:11:07,600
adjustments.

167
00:11:07,600 --> 00:11:10,567
But our enemies should be left
with no doubt: This plan gives

168
00:11:10,567 --> 00:11:13,899
our military the forces and
flexibility they need to support

169
00:11:13,899 --> 00:11:18,567
our Iraqi partners,
and to succeed.

170
00:11:18,567 --> 00:11:22,600
After we remove our combat
brigades, our mission will

171
00:11:22,600 --> 00:11:27,000
change from combat to supporting
the Iraqi government and its

172
00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:31,133
security forces as they take the
absolute lead in securing their

173
00:11:31,133 --> 00:11:33,266
country.

174
00:11:33,265 --> 00:11:37,000
As I have long said, we will
retain a transitional force to

175
00:11:37,000 --> 00:11:41,600
carry out three distinct
functions: training, equipping,

176
00:11:41,600 --> 00:11:45,834
and advising Iraqi security
forces as long as they remain

177
00:11:45,833 --> 00:11:51,132
non-sectarian; conducting
targeted counterterrorism

178
00:11:51,133 --> 00:11:54,934
missions; and protecting our
ongoing civilian and military

179
00:11:54,933 --> 00:11:58,600
efforts within Iraq.

180
00:11:58,600 --> 00:12:03,300
Initially, this force will
likely be made up of 35,000 to

181
00:12:03,299 --> 00:12:06,833
50,000 U.S. troops

182
00:12:06,833 --> 00:12:09,899
Through this period of
transition, we will carry out

183
00:12:09,899 --> 00:12:12,000
further redeployments.

184
00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:15,232
And under the Status of Forces
Agreement with the Iraqi

185
00:12:15,232 --> 00:12:19,032
government, I intend
to remove all U.S.

186
00:12:19,033 --> 00:12:23,734
troops from Iraq
by the end of 2011.

187
00:12:23,734 --> 00:12:32,633
(Applause.)

188
00:12:32,633 --> 00:12:34,834
So we will complete
this transition to Iraqi

189
00:12:34,833 --> 00:12:37,866
responsibility, and we will
bring our troops home with the

190
00:12:37,866 --> 00:12:41,766
honor that they have earned.

191
00:12:41,767 --> 00:12:46,700
As we remove our combat brigades
we will pursue the second part

192
00:12:46,700 --> 00:12:51,200
of our strategy: sustained
diplomacy on behalf of a more

193
00:12:51,200 --> 00:12:54,533
peaceful and prosperous Iraq.

194
00:12:54,533 --> 00:12:57,466
The drawdown of our military
should send a clear signal that

195
00:12:57,466 --> 00:13:01,033
Iraq's future is now
its own responsibility.

196
00:13:01,033 --> 00:13:04,800
The long-term success of the
Iraqi nation will depend on

197
00:13:04,799 --> 00:13:08,099
decisions made by Iraq's leaders
and the fortitude of the Iraqi

198
00:13:08,100 --> 00:13:09,600
people.

199
00:13:09,600 --> 00:13:13,399
Iraq is a sovereign country with
legitimate institutions; America

200
00:13:13,399 --> 00:13:18,033
cannot -- and should
not -- take their place.

201
00:13:18,033 --> 00:13:23,600
However, a strong political,
diplomatic, and civilian effort

202
00:13:23,600 --> 00:13:27,734
on our part can advance progress
and help lay a foundation for

203
00:13:27,734 --> 00:13:30,300
lasting peace and security.

204
00:13:30,299 --> 00:13:33,799
This effort will be led by our
new Ambassador to Iraq,

205
00:13:33,799 --> 00:13:35,232
Chris Hill.

206
00:13:35,232 --> 00:13:39,232
From his time in the Peace Corps
to his work in Kosovo and Korea,

207
00:13:39,232 --> 00:13:43,500
Ambassador Hill has been tested
and he has shown the pragmatism

208
00:13:43,500 --> 00:13:45,700
and skill that we
need right now.

209
00:13:45,700 --> 00:13:48,934
And he will be supported by the
courageous and capable work of

210
00:13:48,933 --> 00:13:52,632
so many American diplomats and
aid workers who are now serving

211
00:13:52,633 --> 00:13:54,233
in Iraq.

212
00:13:54,232 --> 00:13:57,933
Going forward, we can make a
difference on several fronts.

213
00:13:57,933 --> 00:14:00,265
We will work with the United
Nations to support national

214
00:14:00,265 --> 00:14:05,099
elections, while helping Iraqis
improve local government.

215
00:14:05,100 --> 00:14:08,567
We can serve as an honest broker
in pursuit of fair and durable

216
00:14:08,567 --> 00:14:12,432
agreements on issues that
have divided Iraq's leaders.

217
00:14:12,432 --> 00:14:17,165
And just as we will support
Iraq's security forces, we will

218
00:14:17,166 --> 00:14:20,800
help Iraq's institutions
strengthen their capacity to

219
00:14:20,799 --> 00:14:24,299
protect the rule of law,
confront corruption, and deliver

220
00:14:24,299 --> 00:14:26,666
basic services.

221
00:14:26,667 --> 00:14:29,834
Diplomacy and assistance is also
required to help millions of

222
00:14:29,833 --> 00:14:31,833
displaced Iraqis.

223
00:14:31,833 --> 00:14:35,232
These men, women and children
are living -- are a living

224
00:14:35,232 --> 00:14:38,332
consequence of this war and a
challenge to stability in the

225
00:14:38,332 --> 00:14:42,933
region, and they must be a part
of Iraq's reconciliation and

226
00:14:42,933 --> 00:14:44,466
recovery.

227
00:14:44,466 --> 00:14:48,866
America has a strategic interest
-- and a moral responsibility --

228
00:14:48,866 --> 00:14:50,666
to act.

229
00:14:50,667 --> 00:14:53,133
And in the coming months, my
administration will provide more

230
00:14:53,133 --> 00:14:56,934
assistance and take steps to
increase international support

231
00:14:56,933 --> 00:15:00,699
for countries already hosting
refugees; we'll cooperate with

232
00:15:00,700 --> 00:15:04,900
others to resettle Iraqis facing
great personal risk; and we will

233
00:15:04,899 --> 00:15:07,466
work with the Iraqi government
over time to resettle refugees

234
00:15:07,466 --> 00:15:11,332
and displaced Iraqis within Iraq
-- because there are few more

235
00:15:11,332 --> 00:15:14,933
powerful indicators of lasting
peace than when displaced

236
00:15:14,933 --> 00:15:18,165
citizens return home.

237
00:15:18,166 --> 00:15:21,333
Now, before I go any further, I
want to take a moment to speak

238
00:15:21,332 --> 00:15:24,666
directly to the people of Iraq.

239
00:15:24,667 --> 00:15:29,899
You are a great nation, rooted
in the cradle of civilization

240
00:15:29,899 --> 00:15:33,299
You are joined together by
enduring accomplishments, and a

241
00:15:33,299 --> 00:15:37,165
history that connects you as
surely as the two rivers carved

242
00:15:37,166 --> 00:15:39,333
into your land.

243
00:15:39,332 --> 00:15:42,132
In years past, you have
persevered through tyranny and

244
00:15:42,133 --> 00:15:45,734
terror; through personal
insecurity and sectarian

245
00:15:45,734 --> 00:15:47,466
violence.

246
00:15:47,466 --> 00:15:51,500
And instead of giving in to the
forces of disunion, you stepped

247
00:15:51,500 --> 00:15:55,500
back from a descent into
civil war, and showed a proud

248
00:15:55,500 --> 00:15:59,966
resilience that
deserves our respect.

249
00:15:59,966 --> 00:16:03,066
Our nations have known
difficult times together.

250
00:16:03,066 --> 00:16:07,300
But ours is a bond forged by
shared bloodshed, and countless

251
00:16:07,299 --> 00:16:10,299
friendships among our people.

252
00:16:10,299 --> 00:16:14,933
We Americans have offered our
most precious resource -- our

253
00:16:14,933 --> 00:16:19,632
young men and women -- to work
with you to rebuild what was

254
00:16:19,633 --> 00:16:23,466
destroyed by despotism; to root
out our common enemies; and to

255
00:16:23,466 --> 00:16:27,265
seek peace and prosperity for
our children and grandchildren,

256
00:16:27,265 --> 00:16:29,733
and for yours.

257
00:16:29,734 --> 00:16:34,432
There are those who will try to
prevent that future for Iraq --

258
00:16:34,432 --> 00:16:38,533
who will insist that Iraq's
differences cannot be reconciled

259
00:16:38,533 --> 00:16:41,166
without more killing.

260
00:16:41,166 --> 00:16:45,433
They represent the forces that
destroy nations and lead only to

261
00:16:45,432 --> 00:16:48,933
despair, and they will test our
will in the months and years to

262
00:16:48,933 --> 00:16:51,065
come.

263
00:16:51,066 --> 00:16:53,667
America, too, has
known these forces.

264
00:16:53,667 --> 00:16:56,767
We endured the pain of Civil
War, and bitter divisions of

265
00:16:56,767 --> 00:16:59,033
region and race.

266
00:16:59,033 --> 00:17:03,700
But hostility and hatred are no
match for justice; they offer no

267
00:17:03,700 --> 00:17:08,200
pathway to peace; and they must
not stand between the people of

268
00:17:08,200 --> 00:17:13,200
Iraq and a future of
reconciliation and hope.

269
00:17:13,200 --> 00:17:16,500
So to the Iraqi people, let
me be clear about America's

270
00:17:16,500 --> 00:17:17,933
intentions.

271
00:17:17,933 --> 00:17:21,532
The United States pursues no
claim on your territory or your

272
00:17:21,532 --> 00:17:22,899
resources.

273
00:17:22,900 --> 00:17:26,333
We respect your sovereignty and
the tremendous sacrifices you

274
00:17:26,333 --> 00:17:29,233
have made for your country.

275
00:17:29,232 --> 00:17:33,165
We seek a full transition to
Iraqi responsibility for the

276
00:17:33,165 --> 00:17:35,599
security of your country.

277
00:17:35,599 --> 00:17:39,599
And going forward, we can build
a lasting relationship founded

278
00:17:39,599 --> 00:17:44,332
upon mutual interests and mutual
respect as Iraq takes its

279
00:17:44,333 --> 00:17:48,700
rightful place in the
community of nations.

280
00:17:48,700 --> 00:17:53,967
That leads me to the third part
of our strategy -- comprehensive

281
00:17:53,967 --> 00:17:57,834
American engagement
across the region.

282
00:17:57,834 --> 00:18:00,533
The future of Iraq is
inseparable from the future of

283
00:18:00,532 --> 00:18:05,299
the broader Middle East, so we
must work with our friends and

284
00:18:05,299 --> 00:18:08,733
partners to establish a new
framework that advances Iraq's

285
00:18:08,733 --> 00:18:11,466
security and the region's.

286
00:18:11,467 --> 00:18:15,333
It's time for Iraq to be a full
partner in regional dialogue,

287
00:18:15,333 --> 00:18:18,233
and for Iraq's neighbors to
establish productive and

288
00:18:18,232 --> 00:18:21,265
normalized relations with Iraq.

289
00:18:21,266 --> 00:18:24,432
And going forward, the United
States will pursue principled

290
00:18:24,432 --> 00:18:28,700
and sustained engagement with
all of the nations in the region

291
00:18:28,700 --> 00:18:31,734
-- all the nations in the region
-- and that, by the way, will

292
00:18:31,733 --> 00:18:33,799
include Iran and Syria.

293
00:18:33,799 --> 00:18:37,133
This reflects a fundamental
truth: We can no longer deal

294
00:18:37,133 --> 00:18:41,400
with regional challenges in
isolation -- we need a smarter,

295
00:18:41,400 --> 00:18:44,867
more sustainable and
comprehensive approach.

296
00:18:44,866 --> 00:18:48,767
That is why we are renewing our
diplomacy, while relieving the

297
00:18:48,767 --> 00:18:50,467
burden on our military.

298
00:18:50,467 --> 00:18:53,600
That is why we are refocusing
on al Qaeda in Afghanistan and

299
00:18:53,599 --> 00:18:57,833
Pakistan; developing a strategy
to use all elements of American

300
00:18:57,834 --> 00:19:02,000
power to prevent Iran from
developing a nuclear weapon; and

301
00:19:02,000 --> 00:19:05,834
actively seeking a lasting peace
between Israel and the Arab

302
00:19:05,834 --> 00:19:07,467
world.

303
00:19:07,467 --> 00:19:09,600
And that is why we have named
three of America's most

304
00:19:09,599 --> 00:19:13,966
accomplished diplomats -- George
Mitchell, Dennis Ross, and

305
00:19:13,967 --> 00:19:17,266
Richard Holbrooke -- to support
Secretary Hillary Clinton and

306
00:19:17,266 --> 00:19:21,967
myself as we carry
forward this agenda.

307
00:19:21,967 --> 00:19:26,133
Every nation and every group
must know -- whether you wish

308
00:19:26,133 --> 00:19:29,700
America good or ill -- that the
end of the war in Iraq will

309
00:19:29,700 --> 00:19:34,600
enable a new era of American
leadership and engagement in the

310
00:19:34,599 --> 00:19:35,866
Middle East.

311
00:19:35,866 --> 00:19:39,500
This does not lessen
our commitment.

312
00:19:39,500 --> 00:19:43,266
We are going to be enhancing
that commitment to bring about a

313
00:19:43,266 --> 00:19:49,066
better day in that region,
and that era has just begun.

314
00:19:49,066 --> 00:19:54,033
Finally, I want to be very clear
about my strategy -- that my

315
00:19:54,032 --> 00:19:57,966
strategy for ending the war in
Iraq does not end with military

316
00:19:57,967 --> 00:20:03,567
plans or diplomatic agendas; it
endures through our commitment

317
00:20:03,567 --> 00:20:08,032
to uphold the sacred trust with
every man and woman who has

318
00:20:08,032 --> 00:20:11,532
served in Iraq.

319
00:20:11,532 --> 00:20:15,632
You make up a fraction of the
American population, but in an

320
00:20:15,633 --> 00:20:18,967
age when so many people and
institutions have acted

321
00:20:18,967 --> 00:20:25,333
irresponsibly, so many of
you did the opposite -- you

322
00:20:25,333 --> 00:20:27,432
volunteered to bear
the heaviest burden.

323
00:20:27,432 --> 00:20:37,232
(Applause.)

324
00:20:37,232 --> 00:20:39,432
You volunteered to
bear the heaviest burden.

325
00:20:39,432 --> 00:20:43,933
And for you and your families,
the war does not end when you

326
00:20:43,933 --> 00:20:46,032
come home.

327
00:20:46,032 --> 00:20:49,766
It lives on in the memories of
your fellow soldiers, sailors,

328
00:20:49,767 --> 00:20:52,799
airmen and Marines
who gave their lives.

329
00:20:52,799 --> 00:20:56,834
It endures in the wound that is
slow to heal, the disability

330
00:20:56,834 --> 00:21:01,667
that isn't going away, the dream
that wakes you up at night, the

331
00:21:01,666 --> 00:21:06,699
stiffening in your spine when a
car backfires down the street.

332
00:21:06,700 --> 00:21:11,933
You and your families have done
your duty -- now a grateful

333
00:21:11,933 --> 00:21:15,599
nation must do ours.

334
00:21:15,599 --> 00:21:24,766
(Applause.)

335
00:21:24,767 --> 00:21:28,533
That is why, as reflected in
my new budget, I am increasing

336
00:21:28,532 --> 00:21:31,766
the number of soldiers and
Marines, so that we lessen the

337
00:21:31,767 --> 00:21:34,232
burden on those who are serving.

338
00:21:34,232 --> 00:21:37,599
That is why I've committed to
expanding our system of veterans

339
00:21:37,599 --> 00:21:41,432
health care to serve more
patients, and to provide better

340
00:21:41,432 --> 00:21:42,933
care in more places.

341
00:21:42,933 --> 00:21:47,767
(Applause.)

342
00:21:47,767 --> 00:21:51,133
We will continue building
new wounded warrior facilities

343
00:21:51,133 --> 00:21:53,967
across America -- (applause)
-- and invest in new ways of

344
00:21:53,967 --> 00:21:58,100
identifying and treating the
signature wounds of this war:

345
00:21:58,099 --> 00:22:01,399
post-traumatic stress disorder
and traumatic brain injury, as

346
00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:11,834
well as other combat
injuries (Applause.)

347
00:22:11,834 --> 00:22:15,933
We also know that service does
not end with the person wearing

348
00:22:15,933 --> 00:22:18,099
the uniform.

349
00:22:18,099 --> 00:22:21,466
In her visits with military
families across the country, my

350
00:22:21,467 --> 00:22:24,033
wife Michelle has learned
firsthand about the unique

351
00:22:24,032 --> 00:22:27,699
burden that your families
endure every day.

352
00:22:27,700 --> 00:22:30,366
I want you to know this:
Military families are a top

353
00:22:30,366 --> 00:22:34,099
priority for Michelle and me,
and they will be a top priority

354
00:22:34,099 --> 00:22:36,265
for my administration.

355
00:22:36,266 --> 00:22:46,933
(Applause.)

356
00:22:46,933 --> 00:23:01,165
We will raise military pay and
continue providing -- (applause)

357
00:23:01,165 --> 00:23:03,066
-- I figured that'd
be an applause line.

358
00:23:03,066 --> 00:23:05,133
(Laughter.)

359
00:23:05,133 --> 00:23:08,500
We're going to continue
providing quality child care,

360
00:23:08,500 --> 00:23:12,133
job training for spouses, and
expanded counseling and outreach

361
00:23:12,133 --> 00:23:14,900
to families that have known the
separation and stress of war

362
00:23:14,900 --> 00:23:22,166
(Applause.)

363
00:23:22,165 --> 00:23:25,066
We will also heed the lesson
of history -- that those who

364
00:23:25,066 --> 00:23:29,033
fight in battle can form the
backbone of our middle class --

365
00:23:29,032 --> 00:23:33,265
by implementing a 21st-century
GI bill to help our veterans

366
00:23:33,266 --> 00:23:34,867
live out their dreams.

367
00:23:34,866 --> 00:23:43,834
(Applause.)

368
00:23:43,834 --> 00:23:46,533
As a nation, we've had our
share of debates about the war

369
00:23:46,532 --> 00:23:48,699
in Iraq.

370
00:23:48,700 --> 00:23:53,133
It has, at times,
divided us as a people.

371
00:23:53,133 --> 00:23:55,900
To this very day, there are some
Americans who want to stay in

372
00:23:55,900 --> 00:24:00,767
Iraq longer, and some
who want to leave faster.

373
00:24:00,767 --> 00:24:03,734
But there should be no
disagreement on what the men and

374
00:24:03,733 --> 00:24:07,099
women of our military
have achieved.

375
00:24:07,099 --> 00:24:11,532
And so I want to be very clear:
We sent our troops to Iraq to do

376
00:24:11,532 --> 00:24:15,099
away with Saddam Hussein's
regime -- and you got the job

377
00:24:15,099 --> 00:24:16,799
done.

378
00:24:16,799 --> 00:24:19,966
(Applause.)

379
00:24:19,967 --> 00:24:23,900
We kept our troops in Iraq
to help establish a sovereign

380
00:24:23,900 --> 00:24:27,567
government -- and
you got the job done.

381
00:24:27,567 --> 00:24:30,032
(Applause.)

382
00:24:30,032 --> 00:24:33,699
And we will leave the Iraqi
people with a hard-earned

383
00:24:33,700 --> 00:24:37,366
opportunity to live a
better life -- that is your

384
00:24:37,366 --> 00:24:40,799
achievement; that is the
prospect that you have made

385
00:24:40,799 --> 00:24:43,133
possible.

386
00:24:43,133 --> 00:24:45,366
There are many lessons to
be learned from what we've

387
00:24:45,366 --> 00:24:47,066
experienced.

388
00:24:47,066 --> 00:24:49,133
We have learned that America
must go to war with clearly

389
00:24:49,133 --> 00:24:52,400
defined goals, which is why I've
ordered a review of our policy

390
00:24:52,400 --> 00:24:54,967
in Afghanistan.

391
00:24:54,967 --> 00:24:57,867
We have learned that we must
always weigh the costs of

392
00:24:57,866 --> 00:25:01,899
action, and communicate those
costs candidly to the American

393
00:25:01,900 --> 00:25:06,432
people, which is why I've put
Iraq and Afghanistan into my

394
00:25:06,432 --> 00:25:08,599
budget.

395
00:25:08,599 --> 00:25:12,699
We have learned that the 21st --
in the 21st century we have to

396
00:25:12,700 --> 00:25:16,533
use all elements of American
power to achieve our objectives,

397
00:25:16,532 --> 00:25:19,466
which is why I'm committed to
building our civilian national

398
00:25:19,467 --> 00:25:23,567
security capacity so that the
burden is not continually pushed

399
00:25:23,567 --> 00:25:26,266
onto our military.

400
00:25:26,266 --> 00:25:29,000
We have learned that our
political leaders must pursue

401
00:25:29,000 --> 00:25:32,599
the broad and bipartisan support
that our national security

402
00:25:32,599 --> 00:25:37,366
policies depend on, which is why
I will consult with Congress in

403
00:25:37,366 --> 00:25:40,232
carrying out my plans.

404
00:25:40,232 --> 00:25:42,666
And we have learned the
importance of working closely

405
00:25:42,666 --> 00:25:45,799
with friends and allies, which
is why we are launching a new

406
00:25:45,799 --> 00:25:50,200
era of engagement and
diplomacy in the world.

407
00:25:50,200 --> 00:25:53,133
The starting point for our
policies must always be the

408
00:25:53,133 --> 00:25:56,467
safety and security of
the American people.

409
00:25:56,467 --> 00:26:00,300
I know that you -- the men and
women of the finest fighting

410
00:26:00,299 --> 00:26:04,834
force in the history of the
world -- can meet any challenge,

411
00:26:04,834 --> 00:26:07,066
and defeat any foe.

412
00:26:07,066 --> 00:26:09,767
And as long as I am your
Commander-in-Chief, I promise

413
00:26:09,767 --> 00:26:12,734
you that I will only send you
into harm's way when it is

414
00:26:12,733 --> 00:26:15,866
absolutely necessary, and
provide you with the equipment

415
00:26:15,866 --> 00:26:19,200
and support you need
to get the job done.

416
00:26:19,200 --> 00:26:30,533
(Applause.)

417
00:26:30,532 --> 00:26:33,199
That is the most important
lesson of all, for the

418
00:26:33,200 --> 00:26:39,799
consequences of war are dire,
the sacrifices immeasurable.

419
00:26:39,799 --> 00:26:43,366
You know because you've
seen those sacrifices.

420
00:26:43,366 --> 00:26:45,700
You've lived them.

421
00:26:45,700 --> 00:26:49,533
And we all honor you for them.

422
00:26:49,532 --> 00:26:55,165
"Semper Fidelis" -- (applause)
-- it means always being

423
00:26:55,165 --> 00:26:59,899
faithful to the Corps, and to
country, and to the memory of

424
00:26:59,900 --> 00:27:05,867
fallen comrades like Corporal
Jonathan Yale and Lance Corporal

425
00:27:05,866 --> 00:27:07,834
Jordan Haerter.

426
00:27:07,834 --> 00:27:13,232
(Applause.)

427
00:27:13,232 --> 00:27:17,366
These young men enlisted in a
time of war, knowing they would

428
00:27:17,366 --> 00:27:19,232
face great danger.

429
00:27:19,232 --> 00:27:22,966
They came here, to Camp Lejeune,
as they trained for their

430
00:27:22,967 --> 00:27:25,133
mission.

431
00:27:25,133 --> 00:27:29,100
Last April, they were
standing guard in Anbar.

432
00:27:29,099 --> 00:27:32,432
In an age when suicide is a
weapon, they were suddenly faced

433
00:27:32,432 --> 00:27:37,633
with an oncoming truck
filled with explosives.

434
00:27:37,633 --> 00:27:41,767
These two Marines stood their
ground These two Marines opened

435
00:27:41,767 --> 00:27:44,900
fire.

436
00:27:44,900 --> 00:27:48,867
These two Marines
stopped that truck.

437
00:27:48,866 --> 00:27:52,500
When the thousands of pounds of
explosives detonated, they had

438
00:27:52,500 --> 00:27:57,366
saved 50 fellow Marines, they
had saved Iraqi police who would

439
00:27:57,366 --> 00:28:02,834
have been in the truck's path
-- but Corporal Yale and Lance

440
00:28:02,834 --> 00:28:07,533
Corporal Haerter
lost their own lives.

441
00:28:07,532 --> 00:28:14,500
Jonathan was 21,
and Jordan was 19.

442
00:28:14,500 --> 00:28:20,000
In the town where Jordan Haerter
was from, a bridge was dedicated

443
00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:22,032
in his name.

444
00:28:22,032 --> 00:28:26,199
One Marine who traveled to the
ceremony said: "We flew here

445
00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:31,165
from all over the country to pay
tribute to our friend Jordan,

446
00:28:31,165 --> 00:28:34,232
who risked his life to save us.

447
00:28:34,232 --> 00:28:38,500
We wouldn't be here without him.

448
00:28:38,500 --> 00:28:41,633
" America's time in Iraq is
filled with stories of men and

449
00:28:41,633 --> 00:28:43,400
women like this.

450
00:28:43,400 --> 00:28:46,633
Their names are written into the
bridges and town squares of this

451
00:28:46,633 --> 00:28:47,667
country.

452
00:28:47,666 --> 00:28:53,165
They are etched into stone at
Arlington, and in quiet places

453
00:28:53,165 --> 00:28:55,700
of rest across our land.

454
00:28:55,700 --> 00:28:59,567
They are spoken in schools
and on city blocks.

455
00:28:59,567 --> 00:29:04,599
They live on in the memories of
those who wear your uniform, in

456
00:29:04,599 --> 00:29:07,766
the hearts of those they loved,
and in the freedom of the nation

457
00:29:07,767 --> 00:29:10,700
they served.

458
00:29:10,700 --> 00:29:14,000
Each American who has served
in Iraq has their own story.

459
00:29:14,000 --> 00:29:17,400
Each of you has your own story.

460
00:29:17,400 --> 00:29:20,300
And that story is now a part of
the history of the United States

461
00:29:20,299 --> 00:29:25,567
of America -- a nation that
exists only because free men and

462
00:29:25,567 --> 00:29:29,299
women have bled for it, from
the beaches of Normandy to the

463
00:29:29,299 --> 00:29:32,165
deserts of Anbar; from the
mountains of Korea to the

464
00:29:32,165 --> 00:29:34,165
streets of Kandahar.

465
00:29:34,165 --> 00:29:38,299
You teach us that the
price of freedom is great.

466
00:29:38,299 --> 00:29:41,000
Your sacrifice should challenge
all of us -- every single

467
00:29:41,000 --> 00:29:46,834
American -- to ask what we
can do to be better citizens.

468
00:29:46,834 --> 00:29:49,000
There will be more danger
in the months ahead.

469
00:29:49,000 --> 00:29:52,666
We will face new tests
and unforeseen trials.

470
00:29:52,666 --> 00:29:56,466
But thanks to the sacrifices of
those who have served, we have

471
00:29:56,467 --> 00:30:01,500
forged hard-earned progress, we
are leaving Iraq to its people,

472
00:30:01,500 --> 00:30:05,066
and we have begun the
work of ending this war.

473
00:30:05,066 --> 00:30:08,232
Thank you, God bless you, God
bless the United States of

474
00:30:08,232 --> 00:30:09,366
America.

475
00:30:09,366 --> 00:30:10,733
Semper Fi.

476
00:30:10,733 --> 00:30:13,866
Ooh-rah (Applause.)