President thanks intelligence employees, military for Bin Laden operation

In announcing Sunday night that U.S. forces had killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, President Obama offered his appreciation to the members of the intelligence community and the military services who have worked together for years to achieve the goal.

"Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who've worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome," the president said. "The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice."

"We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation," Obama added, "for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden" since Sept. 11, 2001.

In a statement, Obama's predecessor in the Oval Office, George W. Bush, also offered his thanks. Noting that Obama had called him on Sunday to inform him of the successful attack on bin Laden's hideout, Bush said, "I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude."

"This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001," Bush added. "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

In a statement, CIA Director Leon Panetta thanked agency employees for their role over the years in tracking down bin Laden.

"Within our agency family, our thoughts turn to those who died fighting to make this day possible," the statement said. "Our brothers and sisters who gave their lives in the war against al-Qa'ida--from Mike Spann to our heroes at Khowst--are with us, in memory and spirit, at this joyful moment. In all that we do, they are our constant inspiration.

"My deepest thanks and congratulations go out to the officers of our CounterTerrorism Center and Office of South Asia Analysis for their outstanding expertise, amazing creativity, and excellent tradecraft. I also extend my profound appreciation and absolute respect to the strike team, whose great skill and courage brought our nation this historic triumph."

Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton said Monday, "I want to join the president in honoring the courage and commitment of the brave men and women who serve our country and have worked tirelessly and relentlessly for more than a decade to track down and bring Usama bin Ladin, this terrorist, to justice. From our troops and our intelligence experts, to our diplomats and our law enforcement officials, this has been a broad, deep, very impressive effort."