Obama praises troops at Iraq war end

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama celebrated the end of the war in Iraq during his weekly address Saturday, thanking troops for their service during the nine-year conflict.

"For nearly nine years, our nation has been at war in Iraq. More than 1.5 million Americans have served there with honor, skill, and bravery," Obama said.

"On Thursday, the colors our Armed Forces fought under in Iraq were formally cased in a ceremony in Baghdad before beginning their journey back home. Our troops are now preparing to make their final march across the border and out of the country. Iraq's future will be in the hands of its own people. Our war there will be over. All of our troops will be out of Iraq. And this holiday season, all of us can finally say: welcome home."

The president praised the armed forces, saying the military is the most respected institution in America.

"They don't see themselves or each other as Democrats first or Republicans first. They see themselves as Americans first," Obama said, adding, "There is nothing we can't do when we stick together.

"After years of rebuilding Iraq, it is time to enlist our veterans and all our people in the work of rebuilding America. … Today's generation of veterans -- the 9/11 generation of veterans -- is armed with the skills, discipline, and leadership to attack the defining challenge of our time: rebuilding an economy where hard work pays off, where responsibility is rewarded, where anyone can make it if they try."

Obama said elected leaders in Washington owe it to the troops to meet their responsibilities.

"This cannot be a country where division and discord stand in the way of our progress. This is a moment where we must come together to ensure that every American has the chance to work for a decent living, own their own home, send their kids to college, and secure a decent retirement.

"This is a moment for us to build a country that lives up to the ideals that so many of our bravest Americans have fought and even died for. That is our highest obligation as citizens. That is the welcome home that our troops deserve," Obama said.