December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas to the troops
Remember those serving far away -- they sure haven't forgotten us.
The holidays offer a special time to remember our many blessings as Americans – perhaps chief among them are the dedicated soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who protect our nation. Since assuming this post a year ago, I have been awed and humbled by our men and women in uniform who are carving for themselves a noble place in American history. [...]Posted by Alan at December 24, 2007 09:35 AMWe are in our seventh year of war – the first sustained combat with an all-volunteer force since our nation’s inception. Our troops and their families – Active, Guard, and Reserve – are giving so much. This holiday season, many of those in uniform are on repeat deployments or have had their tours extended. Many will miss midnight mass or have already missed Hanukkah’s Festival of Lights. Many will not hear the squeals of delight from their children on Christmas morning. Many will sing neither carols nor hymns. Instead, they serve half way around the world to honor a pledge they made to the country they love.
Please keep our troops in your thoughts and may God forever bless them and this wonderful nation we call home.
- Robert M. Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense
Text via DefenseLINK