VOA标准英语2009年-US Military Honors Bush as He Prepares to Leave

The U.S. military has paid its formal farewell to President George Bush, as he prepares to step down as commander-in-chief. Representatives from all branches of the armed forces took part in a ceremony honoring the president at an army base near Washington.
　

President George W. Bush is honored by the military in an emotional farewell ceremony at Ft. Myer in Arlington, Virginia, 6 Jan. 2009

It is a ceremony steeped in tradition - with military bands, troops in formation, and praise for a departing commander.

President Bush responded with remarks that were rather nostalgic in tone. He said as his time in office dwindles¹ down, he is faced with a series of lasts - his last trip abroad, his last commencement address, and his last holiday season at the White House.

"These have all been wonderful experiences," he said. "But nothing compares to the honor of standing² before you today and addressing America's armed forces as your commander-in-chief."

He praised the valor³ of American troops, their work in Afghanistan and Iraq, and their dedication⁴ to their country.

"There will come a day when your grandchildren will ask, 'What did you do during your time in uniform?' And you will be able to say, 'We made the military stronger, we made the world freer, and we made America more secure," he said.

Mr. Bush acknowledged that the decisions he has made as commander-in-chief have not always been popular. But he told the men and women of the U.S. military their cause has always been just and right.

"The missions you have carried out have always been necessary and the work you have done has been every bit as courageous⁵ and idealistic as that of any generation that came before you," he said.

President Bush leaves office on January 20 and will return to his home state of Texas on one of the military jets that he has used during his two terms in office. But he will make this flight as a private citizen, and the plane will no longer carry the code name Air Force One - that designation is reserved only for aircraft carrying a sitting President of the United States.

1 dwindles   

v.逐渐变少或变小( dwindle的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• Her husband grows rich in crime, her significance dwindles. 她的丈夫罪恶累累，她的形象也受到损害。 来自辞典例句
• The voice died away and ceased, as an insect's tiny trumpet dwindles swiftly into silence. 这声音逐渐消失，就象昆虫的小喇叭嘎然而止。 来自辞典例句

2 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

3 valor   

n.勇气，英勇

参考例句：

• Fortitude is distinct from valor.坚韧不拔有别于勇猛。
• Frequently banality is the better parts of valor.老生常谈往往比大胆打破常规更为人称道。

4 dedication   

n.奉献，献身，致力，题献，献辞

参考例句：

• We admire her courage,compassion and dedication.我们钦佩她的勇气、爱心和奉献精神。
• Her dedication to her work was admirable.她对工作的奉献精神可钦可佩。

5 courageous   

adj.勇敢的，有胆量的

参考例句：

• We all honour courageous people.我们都尊重勇敢的人。
• He was roused to action by courageous words.豪言壮语促使他奋起行动。