Former President George W. Bush openly wept while talking about some of the biggest disasters of his tenure at the dedication of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum on Thursday.

At the conclusion of his speech, Bush mentioned "the people of New Orleans who made homemade boats to rescue their neighbors during the floods" caused by Hurricane Katrina and "the servicemembers who laid down their lives to keep our country safe" during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

"I dedicate this library with an unshakable faith in the future of our country," he said. "It was the honor of a lifetime to lead a country as brave and as noble as the United States."

At that point, the 43rd president began to get choked up.

"Whatever challenges come before us, I will always believe our nation's best days lie ahead," Bush concluded, struggling to add, "God bless."

With a wink and a tear, the former president exited the stage. And then in response to the audience's standing ovation, Bush wiped his eyes, cocked his head to the side, smiled and waved.