Kicking off his final week as president, President Bush thanked his Cabinet this morning for answering "the call to service" at their final meeting, while saying his administration had a "good, solid record."

"Most of all, we protected this country from harm," he said. "And we did so by providing tools for our professionals, as well as asking our military to do hard work, which they have done time and time again."

This afternoon, Bush will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to three of his strongest allies in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Howard, and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe.

The only other major event on the president's public schedule is his farewell address to the nation, scheduled for Thursday at 8 pm. Deputy press secretary Tony Fratto offered today few specifics on the speech but said it would be "forward looking."

"Presidents have the unique viewpoint on the nation and the world, and can offer their counsel and advice as they go on to do after they leave the presidency from time to time. So that will be the President's opportunity to do that," he said.

Bush has also held private receptions recently, including one last night for former members of his campaign teams. One attendee called the East Wing gathering "very moving."

He will spend Friday and Saturday at Camp David, returning to the White House on Sunday in the lead-up to President-elect Obama's inauguration.

Below are the farewell addresses of Presidents Clinton and Reagan. Bush's father chose not to deliver one.