"Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country," he said.

The mission officially drew to a close at 5 p.m on August 31. Obama said the winding down of the war in Iraq means it's time for citizens to unite and build a better life for all Americans.

"Our most urgent task is to restore our economy and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work," he said in his nationwide address from the Oval Office.

The president said ending the war in Iraq is in the United States' best interest and "it is time to turn the page."

Mr. Obama said he has spoken to former President George W. Bush about moving forward on Iraq's future.

On Afghanistan, he said that like Iraq, surge forces will be deployed there for a "limited time."