Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division filed into the dining tent at Forward Operating Base Airborne in Afghanistan. The soldiers shared a Thanksgiving prayer before being served turkey, ham and the fixings.
Photo: Tyler Hicks/The New York Times
Holiday Message
From Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Washington, D.C., Monday, November 24, 2008
In
this season of hope, I want to say how uplifting it has been to get to
know so many soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines during the last 24
months.
Many
of you are far from home, and I’m sure there’s no place you would
rather be than with your loved ones. But know that they, and all
Americans, are free and secure because of what the men and women of the
U.S. military are doing all over the world – from Fort Lewis to Fort
Drum, from Korea to Kosovo, from Bagram to Baghdad.
The
holidays are a time to reflect on the kind of nation we are: a nation
whose character and decency are embodied in our armed forces. Those who
risk life and limb every time they set foot “outside the wire.” The
medical personnel, engineers, and civil affairs teams who improve the
lives of thousands. And all are volunteers.
To
the families of our forces: thank you for sharing your loved ones to
defend us all. To our troops: we admire your selflessness and pray for
your success and safe return home. And to all: happy holidays.
What he said.
