    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [December 6, 2008]
    [Pages 1423-1424]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Interview With Sam Ryan of CBS Sports in
    Philadelphia
    December 6, 2008

    Army-Navy Football Game

        Ms. Ryan. Mr. President, we know this is one of the most storied
    rivalries in all of sports. What does the Army-Navy game mean to you?
        The President. Well, it means to me that I have--I got a chance to
    come and be with people who will be joining the finest military in the
    history of the world.

    [[Page 1424]]

    Members of the U.S. Armed Forces

        Ms. Ryan. When you look at these young players and the seniors, and
    you know that they enrolled in the academies after 9/11, what does that
    say about them?
        The President. I stand in awe of somebody who would volunteer to
    serve America in a time of danger. It says that we are blessed to have
    people of such character in our country.

    The Presidency

        Ms. Ryan. Mr. President, I know you're probably doing a lot of
    reflecting here on December 6. What will you miss the most about being
    President?
        The President. I will miss a lot of things. But one of the things I
    have treasured the most is to be the Commander in Chief of men and women
    of courage and character and decency.
        Ms. Ryan. Thank you, Mr. President.

    Note: The interview began at 12:11 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. A
    tape was not available for verification of the content of this
    interview.