President Obama addresses the nation tonight at 8pm to talk about the end of combat operations in Iraq.
You can watch he address in it's entirety on FiOS1News.
The President told U.S. troops today that the end of combat operations in Iraq is "not going to be a victory lap," not a cause for celebration.
"There's still a lot of work that we've got to do to make sure
that Iraq is an effective partner with us," he said just hours
before addressing the nation on the end of the U.S. combat role in
Iraq.
Obama spoke with troops at a dining hall on this Army base in El
Paso. The base has been central to the war effort. The soldiers
were among those combat troops recently returned from Iraq.
"Welcome home," Obama said to shouts of "hooh-uh."
Obama flew to the base to thank the troops for their sacrifice
in the long and unpopular war, one he had opposed.
"Congratulations on a job well done. The country appreciates
you," Obama said.
"Iraq has an opportunity to create a better future for itself
and the U.S. is more secure" because of that mission, Obama said.
Of his upcoming speech, Obama said, "It's not going to be a
victory lap. It's not going to be self-congratulatory."
Obama noted that there remained "a tough fight ahead in
Afghanistan...a tough slog."
Following his remarks, Obama shook hands with each of the
soldiers and family members gathered in the base dining hall,
asking where they or their loved ones had served.
As he exited the room, Obama said, "Thank you for giving me the
opportunity to share this time with you and see all of you face to
face. Just know that we're all thinking about you and all praying
for your families."
To those who will face future missions in Iraq and Afghanistan,
Obama said, "We will be relentless in making sure you have what
you need to come home safely."