"I am deeply grateful to the people of St. Louis for all their support over the past 13 years.
"Most especially, I want to recognize the victims of crime, discrimination and natural disaster. Thank you for trusting me to share your personal, painful stories with the public during some of the most difficult times of your lives.
"I wish to thank all viewers for trusting me in Rome for coverage of Pope John Paul II's funeral, in New York during those grim days after the World Trade Center attack and across the St. Louis region for coverage of thousands of stories.
"I have also enjoyed celebrating with you during many good times - the Cardinals winning the World Series, the Rams winning the Super Bowl and this great city's continuing transformation for the better.
"Thank you, St. Louis."
--John Mills