Excerpt of Paul Bremer addressing Iraq:
L. Paul Bremer 6/28/04 - Welcome to a sovereign Iraq!
The Coalition Provisional Authority ceases to exist today. I would like to extend my personal thanks to every one who works and has worked at the Coalition Provisional Authority, its predecessor, the Office of Refugee and Humanitarian Assistance and to the fine men and women who have served in the Coalition Forces. Both groups have served with courage in the face of huge risks. Many have paid the ultimate price. We owe them a debt of gratitude which no words can express.
Each of you has participated in a process unique in history. A Coalition of the willing came together and toppled a tyrant. Then, civilian volunteers from around the world came to try not only to repair the ravages of war, but to reconstruct a country devastated by over three decades of misrule.
You have contributed to replacing the tyranny of one man with a broadly representative government pledged to uphold the rights of all.
You have contributed to rebuilding Iraq and modernizing its economy.
You have contributed to making a better life for the citizens of this wonderful country.
These are noble undertakings for which I am deeply grateful.
I thank you for your sacrifice and your service and wish each of you the very best in the coming years.