(December 12, 2009)—George W. Bush delivered the final commencement address of his presidency Friday as he told Texas A&M graduates that character matters.
He commiserated with the graduates about not knowing for sure what comes next.
Mr. Bush said he knows how they feel.
Mr. Bush was introduced to the 3,700 graduates at the College Station campus by his father, former President George H. W. Bush.
Also present was former first lady Barbara Bush, who was released from a Texas hospital 10 days after undergoing surgery for a perforated ulcer.
Mr. Bush spoke to the A&M graduates about the traditions central to the university and the about the learning that took place in and out of the classroom.
"When you leave this campus you'll be well prepared for any endeavor you choose,” he said.
“To those of you with jobs lined up, my congratulations.
“To those of you not exactly sure what comes next, I know how you feel,” he said.
The president talked about his eight years and the White House, but said he’ll remember one thing above all else.
"Through it all, nothing has inspired me more than the character of the American people--the acts of courage and service that sustain our free society and make this the greatest nation on Earth,” he said.
And he said he’s confident about the future of the U.S. after he returns to Texas.
"When I leave office next month I will depart confident in the future of our country because I have faith in each of you. I will depart uplifted by the many acts of courage and service I have witnessed these past eight years.
“I will depart grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers that have strengthened Laura and me and I will depart ready to come home to the people I've missed in the place I love, the state of Texas.”
Mr. Bush, accompanied by Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, who’s an A&M graduate, flew Friday morning from Washington to Waco and then boarded a Marine helicopter for the short flight to College Station.
Waco Mayor Virgnia DuPuy greeted Mr. Bush at TSTC Airport Friday morning, along with a family from Romania that lives in San Antonio, but returns often to their homeland to encourage countrymen to pursue educational opportunities.
Mr. Bush presented members of the family for their work in promoting education.
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