President Biden declared Tuesday that “the war in Afghanistan is now over” in an address that was less a celebration of a mission accomplished than a somber eulogy for a 20-year endeavor that cost the country much but whose burden was borne by few.

From the White House, Biden gave a grim speech to mark the conclusion of a grim conflict, alternately offering explanation, defiance and justification as he reiterated that “it was time to end this war” and promising anyone who attacks Americans that “we will hunt you down.”