What Casey Sheehan sacrificed his life for:

President Bush: "I think the Iraq government will be up to the task of defeating the insurgents. I think they dealt the insurgents -- I think the Iraqi people dealt the insurgents a serious blow when they -- when we had the elections. In other words, what the insurgents fear is Islamic Theocracy, because Islamic Theocracy is the opposite of their vision. Their vision is one where a few make the decision for many, and if you don't toe the line, there's serious consequences.

So I'm pleased with the progress. I am pleased that in less than a year's time, there's a democratically elected Islamic Theocracy in Iraq; there are thousands of Iraqi soldiers trained and better equipped to fight for their own country; that our strategy is very clear in that we will work to get them ready to fight, and when they're ready, we'll come home. And I hope that's sooner, rather than later. But, nevertheless, it's very important that we complete this mission, because a free Iraq is in our nation's long-term interests. An Islamic Theocracy in the heart of the Middle East is an essential part of securing our country and promoting peace for the long run. And it is very important for our country to understand that. A free Iraq will set such a powerful example in a neighborhood that is desperate for an Islamic Theocracy. And, therefore, we will complete the mission and support this elected Islamic Theocracy.

Of course, they've got other tasks. They've got to write a constitution, and then have that constitution ratified by the Iraqi people, and then there will be another election. And we, of course, will help them, as will many countries around the world."