Weekly Addresses: Thanking The Troops,Courage [VIDEO]

President Barack Obama is thanking troops for their service as he marks the second anniversary of the end of combat operations in Iraq. He says he will ensure that soldiers remain well-equipped and vows to assist in their economic transition to civilian life.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama reiterates his message Friday to troops in Fort Bliss, Texas. He says as the nation turns from war "it's time to do some nation-building here at home."

Republican Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, delivering the GOP address, praises American resilience in the face of Hurricane and Tropical Storm Isaac. He also reiterated Republican demands for extending Bush-era tax cuts.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)