Obama thanks troops as Afghanistan war ends

President Obama on Saturday thanked members of the military for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan and announced he would visit troops stationed in New Jersey on Monday.

His address marks the end of combat operations in Afghanistan, which began in 2001 in the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the longest war in American history.

In his weekly address, Obama urged Americans to express their gratitude to active troops and veterans who have served in combat zones around the world to defend the nation’s interests.

“As we go about our days, as we gather with loved ones and friends, it’s important to remember: our way of life—the freedom, prosperity and security that we enjoy as Americans—is not a gift that is simply handed to us,” he said. “It has to be earned—by every generation.  And no one sacrifices more to preserve our blessings than our extraordinary men and women in uniform.”

The president announced he would visit soldiers stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Monday to recognize their service in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Read More The Hill