WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Saying he was touched by their "courage and bravery," President Bush thanked injured troops Friday in his annual Christmas-time visit to the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

"Every time I come to Walter Reed I am moved by the courage and bravery of the people I meet," Bush told reporters following his visit. "And so on behalf of a grateful nation, I want to thank, thank our military families, thank the folks here who are wrapping gifts for the military families, and ask for God's blessings on our citizens."

Bush also said the American people owe the troops "a huge debt of gratitude."

"We owe them all we can give them, not only for when they're in harm's way but when they come home," Bush said. "To help them adjust if they have wounds or help them adjust after their time in service. We owe a huge debt of gratitude for incredible men and women."