At Christmas, we also recognize the sacrifice of our
Nation's military families. Staying behind when a family member goes to
war is a heavy burden, and it is particularly hard during the holidays.
To all our military families listening today, Laura and I thank you, and
we ask the Almighty to bestow His protection and care on your loved ones
as they protect our Nation.
This Christmas season comes at a time of change here in our Nation's
capital -- with a new Congress set to arrive, a review of our Iraq
strategy underway, and a new Secretary of Defense taking office. If
you're serving on the front lines halfway across the world, it is
natural to wonder what all this means for you. I want our troops to know
that while the coming year will bring change, one thing will not change,
and that is our Nation's support for you and the vital work you do to
achieve a victory in Iraq. The American people are keeping you in our
thoughts and prayers, and we will make sure you have the resources you
need to accomplish your mission.
This Christmas, millions of Americans are coming together to show our
deployed forces and wounded warriors love and support. Patriotic groups
and charities all across America are sending gifts and care packages to
our servicemen and women, visiting our troops recovering at military
hospitals, reaching out to children whose moms and dads are serving
abroad, and going to airports to welcome our troops home and to let them
know they are appreciated by a grateful Nation.
One man who's making a difference this holiday season is Jim Wareing.
Jim is the founder of New England Caring for Our Military. This year,
Jim helped organize a gift drive by thousands of students from
Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Students from kindergarten to high
school collected more than 20,000 gifts for our troops abroad. The gifts
are being sent to troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Korea,
Japan, and Africa. The care packages include books and puzzles, board
games, phone cards, fresh socks, and T-shirts, and about 7,000 handmade
holiday greeting cards and posters. Jim says, quote "It's probably
always hard for troops to be far away from home, but especially hard on
the holidays. I use this as an opportunity to try to pay them back for
my freedom."
Citizens like Jim Wareing represent the true strength of our country,
and they make America proud. I urge every American to find some way to
thank our military this Christmas season. If you see a Soldier, Sailor,
Airman, Marine, or a member of the Coast Guard, take a moment to stop
and say, "Thanks for your service." And if you want to reach out to our
troops, or help out the military family down the street, the Department
of Defense has set up a website to help. It is: AmericaSupportsYou.Mil.
This website lists more than 150 compassionate organizations that can
use your help. In this season of giving, let us stand with the men and
women who stand up for America.
At this special time of year, we reflect on the miraculous life that
began in a humble manger 2,000 years ago. That single life changed the
world, and continues to change hearts today. To everyone celebrating
Christmas, Laura and I wish you a day of glad tidings.
Thank you for listening, and Merry Christmas. |