Prior to President Obama's speech about the Iraq war, Stephen Hayes of the Weekly Standard said on Fox News that in the past, Obama has not talked “about the troops in a way that treats them as warriors,” rather than “as victims”:

HAYES: The things that I'm going to be looking for in the speech are a basic acknowledgement of the sacrifice of troops, which I expect we'll hear and hear at some length. But I hope he talks about the troops in a way that treats them as warriors, not as victims. I think that's an important thing for the president to do. He hasn't done it in the past -- it's an important way to talk about it.

In fact, President Obama has praised U.S. forces for, among other things, their “honor,” “courage,” “heroism,” and “incredible dedication.” Contrary to the narrative Hayes is trying to push, Obama has called U.S. troops “our best and brightest, our finest young men and women.”

In fact, just earlier today Obama spoke at Fort Bliss and stated that “there has not been a single mission that has been assigned to all of you in which you have not performed with gallantry, with courage, with excellence.” The remarks echo statements that Obama has made throughout his term.

For instance, in a July 10 address, Obama said:

Last weekend, on the Fourth of July, Michelle and I welcomed some of our extraordinary military men and women and their families to the White House.

They were just like the thousands of active duty personnel and veterans I've met across this country and around the globe. Proud. Strong. Determined. Men and women with the courage to answer their country's call, and the character to serve the United States of America.

In a March 28 address to troops in Bagram, Afghanistan, Obama said:

You've been there for us, tour after tour, year after year, at a time when too many American institutions have let us down, when too many institutions have put short-term gain in front of a commitment to duty and a commitment to what's right. You've met your responsibilities, you've done your duty -- not just when it's easy. That's why you've inspired your fellow Americans. That's why you inspire me. That's why you've earned your place next to the very greatest of American generations.

And all of you represent the virtues and the values that America so desperately needs right now: sacrifice and selflessness, honor and decency. That's why you're here today. That's what you represent.

I've seen your sense of purpose and your willingness to step forward and serve in a time of danger. I've seen it from the Marines I've met at Camp Lejeune to the cadets at West Point, from the midshipmen at Annapolis to the troops I've met in Iraq, and at bases across America and here in Afghanistan. I've seen your courage and your heroism and the story of a young Sergeant First Class named Jared Monti who gave his life here in Afghanistan to save his fellow soldiers and his parents. I was proud to present with our nation's highest military declaration, the Medal of Honor. I've seen your tenacity -- (applause) -- I've seen your tenacity and determination in our wounded warriors in Landstuhl and Walter Reed -- Americans fighting to stand again and to walk again and to get back with -- get back with their units; incredible dedication, incredible focus, incredible pride. And I've been humbled by your sacrifice and the solemn homecoming of flag-draped coffins at Dover, to the headstones in Section 60 at Arlington where the fallen from this war rest in peace alongside the fellow heroes of America's story.

In remarks to troops in Osan, Korea, on November 20, 2009, Obama said:

But the story of your service goes beyond this peninsula. For you are members of a generation that has earned your place among the greatest in American history. You volunteered in a time of war, knowing that you could be sent into harm's way. Many of you served in Iraq. (Applause.) You've given people a chance at self-government there. Others among you served in Afghanistan. (Applause.) And you've denied a safe haven to those who attacked us eight Septembers ago -- and would do so again if given the opportunity. Others among you will deploy yet again.

So you and your families have served tour after tour, year after year. And while you made sacrifices that few Americans will ever truly understand, I want to assure you -- every American appreciates what you do. I say today, on behalf of the American people: We thank you for your service. We honor you for your sacrifices. And just as you've fulfilled your responsibilities to your nation, your nation will fulfill its responsibilities to you.

When addressing troops on April 7, 2009, Obama said, “You know, when I was at Camp Lejeune I spoke about what it means for America to see our best and brightest, our finest young men and women serve us. And what I said then is something that I want to repeat to you, which is: You have performed brilliantly in every mission that has been given to you.”

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that in his speech tonight, Obama said that “At every turn, America's men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve” and “defeated a regime that had terrorized its people”:

These are the rough waters encountered during the course of one of America's longest wars. Yet there has been one constant amidst these shifting tides. At every turn, America's men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve. As Commander-in-Chief, I am incredibly proud of their service. And like all Americans, I'm awed by their sacrifice, and by the sacrifices of their families.

The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given. They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own, our troops fought block by block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future. They shifted tactics to protect the Iraqi people, trained Iraqi Security Forces, and took out terrorist leaders. Because of our troops and civilians -- and because of the resilience of the Iraqi people -- Iraq has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny, even though many challenges remain.

From the August 31 edition of Fox News' Special Report: