Americans believe that every person has the right to
live, work, and worship in freedom. And we're thankful to the men and
women of our Nation's armed forces who risk their lives to protect those
rights. This Thanksgiving, we are mindful that many of our finest
citizens are spending the holiday far from their homes and loved ones,
and we know that their service makes it possible for us to live in
freedom.
On Tuesday, I had the chance to visit our troops and their families
at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our service members there
have deployed around the world -- to fight the terrorists in Afghanistan
and Iraq, conduct important maritime exercises in the Pacific, help
deliver humanitarian aid to the victims of disaster, and fight drug
trafficking. I told the men and women at the base that we're grateful
for their bravery and service and that we will never forget those who
have made the ultimate sacrifice.
One American who made the ultimate sacrifice was Marine Corporal
Jason Dunham. Two-and-a-half years ago in Iraq, Corporal Dunham gave his
life when he threw himself on top of an enemy grenade and absorbed the
blast. His selfless act saved the lives of two of his fellow Marines,
and earlier this month I announced that our Nation will recognize
Corporal Dunham with our highest decoration for valour, the Medal of
Honor.
Corporal Dunham's friends remember him as the kind of guy who would
do anything for you, his superiors remember him as a model Marine, and a
grateful Nation will forever remember him as one of America's most
valiant heroes. This Thanksgiving, our thoughts and prayers are with his
family and with all military families, especially those mourning the
loss of a loved one.
During this holiday season, we also think of those still working to
recover from the devastating hurricanes that struck our Nation last
year. We are grateful to the armies of compassion who rallied to bring
food, water, and hope to those who had lost everything, and we renew our
commitment to help those who are still suffering and to rebuild our
Nation's Gulf Coast.
Thanksgiving reminds us that the true strength of our Nation is the
compassion and decency of our people. And as we count our blessings, we
remember that those blessings are meant to be shared. I encourage all
Americans to look for a way to help those in need -- from tutoring a
child, to working in a shelter, to giving a hand to a neighbor. I thank
all those Americans who volunteer this season, and Laura and I wish
every American a safe and happy holiday.
Thank you for listening. |