McChrystal wistful at retirement ceremony

WASHINGTON, July 25 (UPI) -- Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, forced to step down after published remarks disparaged U.S. President Obama, formally retired this weekend, officials said.

The remarks by his advisers appeared to echo the general's and were published in Rolling Stone magazine.

At a sunset ceremony held a Fort McNair on Washington's Anacostia River to mark his 34 years in service Friday, The Washington Post reported, McChrystal, 55, began with something of a confession.

"This has the potential to be an awkward, even sad, occasion," he said. "With my resignation, I ... left unfulfilled commitments I made to many comrades in the fight, commitments I hold sacred. My service did not end as I would have wished."

McChrystal thanked the president and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who forced him to step down from his command in Afghanistan.

The Wall Street Journal said McChrystal made a veiled defense of his staff, arguing "misperceptions about the loyalty and service of some dedicated professionals" would be corrected in time.

McChrystal's speech also poked fun at himself, praised the troops and thanked his wife, the Post said.

The general had to be convinced to appear at a ceremony, the Post said. On the Fort McNair parade ground, he was surrounded by ceremonial cannons, battle streamers, a marching band and a bevy of generals, admirals and Washington dignitaries, the report said.

Gates presided over the ceremony, calling McChrystal "one of America's greatest warriors."