U.S. President George W. Bush on Saturday thanked the families of troops killed in the war for their sacrifice, Reuters reported. Bush paid tribute to more than 2,000 members of the U.S. military who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and assured their families Americans would be eternally grateful. "This week we also extend our gratitude to our military families, who are making great sacrifices to advance freedom's cause," Bush said in his weekly radio address. "They can know that we will honor that sacrifice by completing the noble mission for which their loved ones gave their lives." Bush acknowledged the strain on the military and its families, saying: "Many of our servicemen and women have endured long deployments and separations from home. ... Those they leave behind must deal with the burden of raising families while praying for the safe return of their loved ones."
