After 40 years of public service, 24 of those in the Senate, Joe Lieberman delivered his last speech in the world's greatest deliberative body, Wednesday.

The independent lawmaker thanked God, his wife and family, and the people of Connecticut for helping him live out the American dream.

Lieberman discussed problems facing America today and urged his colleagues to reach across the aisle to solve them.

The one-time Democratic vice presidential candidate faced an angry electorate after the 2008 presidential race.

He was forced to run as an independent because of his support for Sen. John McCain's White House bid against then Sen. Barack Obama.

Since then, he's worked with both parties as the chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, where he oversaw the department he helped create.