Christmas greetings to the men and women of our military, both past and present. Our whole country is proud of you and we are proud of every one of you for having served our country at it's time of need. It is the time of year and season for good cheer. But let this not overcome the thoughts of our fallen brothers and wounded warriors. American hero's are on guard defending our country this very night. Many of them are far from home during this holiday season. We know they miss the people they love, especially this time of year. They need to know their family and friends and fellow citizens miss you too -- and that the whole country is proud of them.

To our Marines and troops in harms way:
All who serve in our military are protecting the American people in a time of challenge and danger. Today, you are confronting terrorists abroad so that we don't have to face them in our own country, and so that people around the world can live in peace. By spreading freedom and democracy, you are making our future more secure. Some of your comrades have been wounded, and we pray for their recovery. Some have given their lives. This Nation will never forget their service, and in this holiday season we pray that God will comfort the families they left behind.

The liberty we prize is not America's gift to the world; it is God's gift to humanity. Americans are blessed that we have brave men and women protecting us and defending the cause of freedom across the globe. May God bless them, and may he watch over our country.