THE PRESIDENT REMEMBERS THE SOLDIERS

Speaking Thursday at the National Prayer Breakfast, President Bush praised U.S. troops for exhibiting compassion and religious tolerance as they help rebuild Iraq.

Bush lauded the work of the American military, saying the war and its aftermath have shown the world "the kind of people America sends forth from our towns and neighborhoods to serve in freedom's cause."

"They are the sort of people who, when the fighting is done, are kind and compassionate toward innocent citizens, and their compassion as much as their courage has made this country proud."

The president highlighted the military's role in rebuilding schools, medical clinics and soccer fields in Iraq.

U.S. troops have demonstrated religious tolerance by helping repair mosques, treating Muslim clerics with deference and recognizing the importance of Islam's holy days, he said.