Bush used his weekly radio address to talk about Easter -- "the most important holiday in the Christian faith. And during this special and holy time each year, millions of Americans pause to remember a sacrifice that transcended the grave and redeemed the world."

Easter is a holy day on which Christians commemorate their belief that Jesus rose from the dead after he was crucified.

In his radio address, Bush said he "deeply" appreciates the sacrifice made by U.S. military personnel and their families.

"America is blessed with the world's greatest military, made up of men and women who fulfill their responsibilities with dignity, humility and honor," he said.

"On Easter, we remember especially those who have given their lives for the cause of freedom," Bush said. "These brave individuals have lived out the words of the Gospel: 'Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'"

Bush also expressed gratitude to Americans who "take time to feed the hungry and clothe the needy and care for the widow and the orphan."