As the crew of a US navy spy plane prepared to head home for Easter President Bush paid tribute to the 24 men and women held in China in an 11-day diplomatic standoff.
In a weekly radio address devoted to family and "the comfort of faith", Mr Bush said his thoughts were with US military deployed around the world.
"They have our sincere gratitude and, on this holiday, we offer the thanks of our nation to the 24 servicemen and women who are no longer in China and are now home."
Mr Bush, who spoke by telephone to the crew, had no plans to welcome them back in person said White House spokesman Mr Ari Fleischer. He added the President felt it was unnecessary for politicians always to insert themselves into "tender moments".
He quoted Mr Bush as saying all the "hoop-de-la" of a presidential visit would interfere with the reunion of loved ones.
Noting that he was home at his central Texas ranch with his wife, Laura, and other family members, Bush called the Easter season a reminder that "on the path to renewal, we are not alone."
Mr Bush, a conservative Republican and a Methodist who credits his religious rebirth 15 years ago for helping to turn his life around, added, "In this season of renewal we remember that failures in life are never final and that hope leads us closer to the truth that, in the end, even death itself will be defeated."
Mr Bush also marked the close of Passover this weekend, when Jews recall their deliverance from oppression. He said he hoped it had been a time of "reflection and renewal."