President Barack Obama spoke about U.S. strategy in Iraq and announced a timeline to end combat operations by August 31, 2010. He said up to 50,000 troops would remain to train Iraqi security services. Speaking directly to the Iraqi people, he said that America made no claim on the country’s territory or resources, but hoped that it would join the U.S. in efforts to stabilize the region. He also reiterated the commitment to fully withdraw from Iraq by the 2011 deadline specified in the Status of Forces Agreement signed with the Iraqi government..

General Jones, Secretary Gates, and Admiral Mullen attended the event at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base.