President Bush on Friday said, "Don Rumsfeld's strong leadership has earned him my admiration and deep respect... I have seen Don Rumsfeld's character and his integrity. He always ensured I had the best possible advice, the opportunity to hear and weigh conflicting points of view. He spoke straight. It was easy to understand him. He has a sharp intellect, a steady demeanor, and boundless energy. He began every day at the Pentagon with a singular mission -- to serve his country and the men and women who defend her."
FAREWELL PARADE - From left: Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, President George Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Peter Pace stand at attention during the Farewell Parade for Secretary Rumsfeld at the Pentagon, Dec. 15, 2006 Defense Dept. Image Hi-Res | Lead Photo Archive
RUMSFELD SPEAKS - Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld speaks during his Farewell Parade at the Pentagon, Dec. 15, 2006 Defense Dept. Image Hi-Res | Lead Photo Archive
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS - President George W. Bush speaks during the Farewell Parade for Secretary Rumsfeld at the Pentagon, Dec. 15, 2006 Defense Dept. Image Hi-Res | Lead Photo Archive
U.S. President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney (C) and outgoing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (R) walk past an honor guard as they arrive for Rumsfeld's farewell tribute at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, December 15, 2006. Rumsfeld will be replaced by former CIA director Robert Gates. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (UNITED STATES)
U.S. President George W. Bush pats outgoing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on the back at the end of Rumsfeld's farewell tribute at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, December 15, 2006. Rumsfeld will be replaced by former CIA director Robert Gates. On the far left is Vice President Dick Cheney. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (UNITED STATES)
U.S. President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney (R) and outgoing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (L) listen to proceedings at Rumsfeld's farewell tribute at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, December 15, 2006. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (UNITED STATES) Email Photo Print
From left, outgoing Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Joint Chiefs Chairman, Gen. Peter Pace, right, watch troops march during an Armed Forces Full Honor Review for Rumsfeld at the Pentagon, Friday, Dec. 15, 2006. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
(I love this pic!) U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld (L), U.S. President George W. Bush (C) and Vice President Dick Cheney attend the Armed Forces Full Honor Review in Honor of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon in Washington December 15, 2006. REUTERS/Larry Downing (UNITED STATES)