President Bush's farewell speech to the nation

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Bush gives farewell address - covered by CNN

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President Bush will made his final farewell address to the nation tonight, and faced a live audience at the White House.

Some previous NowPublic coverage here.

5:00pm

The crowd stands and claps as Bush walks into the room. Bush looks like he always does - traditional blue suit and white shirt.

Bush speaks about Obama - a man 'chosen by you' and he wishes Obama and his wife and family best wishes.

He wishes Cheney best wishes, as well as his family and his parents and most of all, the American people. He says he has witnessed many great acts of generosity and greatness during his time.

He talks about the first time he made a speech there and about 9/11 and how he stood in the rubble of the World Trade Centre three days later. He mentions a woman in the audience who gave her son's shield to Bush after he perished in the WTC attacks. He still has that shield today.

Bush says he cannot move on from the 9/11 attacks.

5:05pm

Bush talks about what he has done during his time in office. How he has implemented a new health care system and a new eductation system for children.

"With determination and hard work the economy can be restored to what it once was and that while it is a tough time for Americans, we will all get through."

Bush mentions that he has always followed his conscience and that he may not have always made the best decision, but that he has tried, even though not everyone agrees with him.

5:10pm

America hasn't had a terrorist attack in the last seven years, but terrorists are waiting to pounce again and still remain strong and resist hiding away from other nations that may want to attack them.

"These are challenges that must be faced, but America must maintain its clarity all the time."

"The nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth and to advance the cause for peace."

Bush then quotes Jefferson and speaks about how America is constantly renewing itself and facing challenges head on. It inspires immigrants to risk everything, just for freedom. Some people who represent what America is all about are in the White House tonight and are mentioned in Bush's speech. 

5:15pm

"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your president and he says he has been inspired everyday to be the preseident of the United States."

"God bless this house and our next president."

A copy of the entire speech can be read here.

Previously:

NowPublic will be liveblogging the event.

White House spokesperson Dana Perino said that his last address will be 'thoughtful' and will carry on a tradition dating back to the country's first president, George Washington.

The speech will last about 10 to 15 minutes and the audience will be made up of people Bush has met in the last eight years, some of whom will be mentioned in his speech.
This will be his last scheduled public event before Barack Obama is sworn in on January 20th.