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President George W. Bush urged Texas A&M's graduating class Friday to do what's right, even if it's not popular.
"Remember that popularity is as fleeting as the Texas wind," he said during his last commencement address as president. "Character and conscience are as sturdy as the oaks on this campus.
"If you go home at night, look in the mirror and be satisfied that you have done what is right, you will pass the only test that matters," he said.
The president offered the estimated 3,700 graduates packed into Reed Arena with their friends and family members "a few last pieces of advice": Listen to your mother, develop a set of principles to live by and be on the lookout for good role models.
The president became emotional during a tribute to his father, former President George H.W. Bush, and said it was an honor to carry his name.
"He devoted his career to public service and proved that success in politics can be accomplished with decency and grace," he said of the 84-year-old, who has his presidential library and museum at Texas A&M and is frequently seen around campus.
"He reached the pinnacle in government, but he defines his life by other roles -- a father who gave unconditional love, a grandfather devoted to his grandchildren and a beloved husband of the sweetheart he married a lifetime ago," Bush said. "Some of you will leave A&M with a degree that carries this good man's name -- George Bush. I have been blessed and honored to have carried it for 62 years."
Bush also mentioned his mother, Barbara Bush, who recently underwent surgery to repair a perforated ulcer.
"As you can see, Mom is out of the hospital and everything is back to normal," he said. "After all, she's still telling me what to do."
The president, who flashed a gig 'em thumb several times throughout the ceremony, was greeted by the crowd of more than 11,000 with the traditional "Howdy" and Aggie "whoops."
"I am pleased to see so many of your families and loved ones here today," he said. "While you bled maroon, they bled a lot of green."
He made no mention of politics but appeared comfortable and peppered the 21-minute speech with humor and references to Aggie traditions.
"To those of you with jobs lined up, congratulations. To those of you not exactly sure what comes next, I know how you feel," he said.
He mentioned Midnight Yell, Reveille, Aggie Ring Dunk and the Dixie Chicken and said former Texas A&M President Robert Gates, who now serves as secretary of defense, insists on standing during Cabinet meetings because he's the 12th Man.
Bush implored graduates to develop convictions, seek out role models and be guided by love.
He shared inspirational stories about Americans he has met as president.
There was Bill Krissoff, an orthopedic surgeon who joined the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son, a Marine who had died in Iraq.
And Kendrick Kennedy, a blind man who cleaned up neighbors' debris even after his own house was damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
Christian Bagge lost his legs when a roadside bomb exploded in Iraq. Bagge was fitted with carbon fiber legs and, five months after Bush visited him in the hospital, the two ran a lap around the south lawn of the White House.
"I'll admit, he left his commander in chief in the dust," Bush said. "And he left me with great admiration for his unshakable determination, his upbeat spirit and his inspiring example for all Americans.
"In these stories, we see the courage and service that defined America at its best," he said. "And that same spirit has long defined Texas A&M."
The president called on the graduates to carry the spirit beyond the campus.
"There are so many needs to be met, and so many ways you can help -- from mentoring a child to becoming a teacher, to volunteering to feed the hungry or heal the sick overseas. If you hear the call to service in the military or government, answer it. If you enter the private sector, be proud of contributing to our prosperity -- and give back to your communities. Wherever life leads you, pursue the path of service -- and you will find fulfillment beyond measure."
Bush, a former Texas governor, also spoke of his love for the Lone Star State.
"I was raised here by wonderful parents, surrounded by brothers and sisters whose love still sustains me. And Texas is where I went to a backyard barbecue and met a beautiful teacher named Laura Welch. Texas is where our girls were born and our lifelong friends live. And next month, when our time in Washington is done, Texas is where we' re coming home."
He said his presidency had been a "tremendous privilege."
"Some days have been happy, some days not so happy -- every day joyous."
He recalled the times he feasted in the desert of Abu Dhabi, watched a Jerusalem sunrise, slept in Buckingham Palace and spoke before hundreds of thousands gathered in Romania's Revolution Square.
"Through it all, nothing has inspired me more than the character of the American people -- the acts of courage and service that sustain our free society and make this the greatest nation on Earth," he said.
Bush said he leaves the presidency uplifted by the many inspiring people he has met and grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers throughout his term.
"When I leave office next month, I will depart confident in the future of our country, because I have faith in each of you."
IN SHORT
* Friday's commencement speech was Bush's 23rd since taking office eight years ago and marked his first trip back to Aggieland since he was governor.
* His commencement speech kicked off a new graduation format at Texas A&M University. All graduates were invited to attend the speech, and separate degree-granting ceremonies were planned for Friday and Saturday.
* Three Texas lawmakers and A&M graduates made the trip to Aggieland from Washington with President Bush: U.S. Reps. Chet Edwards, Joe Barton and Jeb Hensarling.
* President Bush has 39 days left in office.
