(Reuters) - Following is a selection of remarks by U.S. President George W. Bush about the Iraq war since it began in March 2003:

“Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly -- yet, our purpose is sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder.”

- March 19, 2003, televised address from the White House as hostilities began.

“Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.”

- May 1, 2003, aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln under a banner declaring “Mission Accomplished.”

“I hope there’s not an expectation from people that all of a sudden there’s going to be zero violence ... It’s just not going to be the case.”

- June 14, 2006, White House Rose Garden.

“We will stay the course, we will help this young Iraqi democracy succeed, and victory in Iraq will be a major ideological triumph in the struggle of the 21st century.”

- August 30, 2006, Salt Lake City.

“Stay the course means keep doing what you’re doing. My attitude is, don’t do what you’re doing if it’s not working -- change. Stay the course also means don’t leave before the job is done. We’re going to get the job done in Iraq.”

- October 11, 2006, White House Rose Garden.

“It’s my responsibility to provide the American people with a candid assessment on the way forward ... Absolutely, we’re winning.”

- October 25, 2006, White House East Room.

“We’re not winning, we’re not losing.”

- December 19, 2006, interview with The Washington Post (published on December 20).

“The situation in Iraq is unacceptable to the American people -- and it is unacceptable to me ... Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me.

- January 10, 2007, White House library.

“Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq -- and I ask you to give it a chance to work.”

- January 23, 2007, State of the Union address to Congress.

“The struggle in Iraq may be hard, but this should not be a time for despair.”

- March 6, 2007, speech to American Legion in Washington.

“A free Iraq will be our partner in the fight against terror -- and that will make us safer here at home. Realizing this vision will be difficult, but it is achievable.”

- September 13, 2007, address from the Oval Office.

“Some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt. Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq and this enemy will be defeated.”

- January 28, 2008, State of the Union address to Congress.

“The decision to remove Saddam Hussein was the right decision early in my presidency. It is the right decision at this point in my presidency and it will forever be the right decision.”

- March 11, 2008, speech to the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville.