On
Thanksgiving and throughout the year, we are grateful to the men and
women of our Armed Forces for securing the peace in these dangerous
times. Many members of our Armed Forces are observing this holiday in
places far from home. They are serving with courage and skill in Iraq,
Afghanistan, and elsewhere to defend our freedom and extend the
blessings of freedom to others. In the past year, these brave Americans
have continued to fight terrorists abroad so we do not have to face them
here at home. And they have helped the people of Iraq and Afghanistan
hold historic and successful elections. They are America's finest, and
we thank them today and every day for their service and sacrifice.
This week we also extend our gratitude to our military families, who
are making great sacrifices to advance freedom's cause. Many of our
servicemen and women have endured long deployments and separations from
home. Many of those they leave behind must deal with the burden of
raising families while praying for the safe return of their loved ones.
All Americans honor and appreciate the commitment and sacrifice of our
military families.
We think especially this week of those military families who are
mourning the loss of loved ones. Every person who dies in the line of
duty commands the eternal gratitude of the American people. The military
families who mourn the fallen can know that America will not forget
their sacrifice, and they can know that we will honor that sacrifice by
completing the noble mission for which their loved ones gave their
lives.
The Thanksgiving holiday reminds us that, "to whom much is given,
from him much will be required." As we count our blessings, we are
mindful of the need to share our blessings and gifts with others, and
America is moved to compassionate action. This compassionate spirit was
seen again this year, when Americans rallied to help their neighbors in
need after the destruction caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We
pray for continued strength as we rebuild these communities and return
hope to our fellow citizens.
The universal call to love a neighbor also extends beyond our shores,
moving us to help people in other lands. Our nation has begun to help
the millions of people in Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan who are
suffering after last month's devastating earthquake in South Asia. I
urge you to visit the website of the South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund
at SouthAsiaEarthquakeRelief.org to find out how you can help. And to
help others in need in your hometown, across America, and around the
world, please visit the USA Freedom Corps website at USAFreedomCorps.gov.
This week of Thanksgiving, we ask that God continue to bless our
families and our nation. Laura and I wish you all a happy and safe
Thanksgiving weekend.
Thank you for listening.