In Crystal Beach Park Arena in the small rural town of Woodward, Oklahoma, population 12,000, the Freedom Ring 2009 festival was held. 9,200 tickets were sold. The organizers said that 14,000 enthusiastic supporters attended the event, and it was standing room only for President Bush's address to the crowd.

Bush spoke to thunderous applause and six standing ovations. Bush called the U.S. the ‘’greatest nation on the face of the earth." (Has Obama issued an arrest warrant for insulting other nations?)

During a 30-minute speech mostly devoid of political references -- he mentioned his successor, Barack Obama, just once in passing -- Bush thanked members of the military, spoke about the bravery of injured soldiers he'd met and told stories of people in difficult situations helping others.