Message to the Troops
This entry was posted on November 26, 2008 11:17 AM and is filed under freedom.
| A Special thank you to Lt. Col. Scott Bleichwehl at Midwest Army Public Affairs for sharing the message of "thank you" to our Troops from Defense Secretary Robert Gates. God bless you all. American Forces Press Service |
| WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates expressed his gratitude to the nation's servicemembers and their families in his annual Thanksgiving Day message. Here is the text of the secretary's message: "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." Robert M. Gates |