For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 29, 2003
President Thanks Troops in Weekly Radio Address
Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On Thursday, I was honored to travel
to Iraq, to spend Thanksgiving with some of the finest men and women
serving in our military.
My message to the troops was clear: your country is thankful for
your service, we are proud of you, and America stands with you in all
that you are doing to defend America. I'm pleased to report back
from the front lines that our troops are strong, morale is high and our
military is confident we will prevail.
Many members of our armed forces, guard and reserve observed
Thanksgiving in places far from home. In Afghanistan, Iraq and
elsewhere, our military is confronting the terrorist enemy so we don't
meet that enemy in our own country. They're serving the cause of
freedom. They're helping millions of people in newly liberated
countries to build lives of dignity and hope. They are protecting the
lives and security of the American people. All of us can be grateful
to live in a country that has produced such brave men and women who
stand between us and the dangers of the world.
This holiday weekend is also a time when many proud military
families are also feeling separation and worry. Long deployments in
dangerous places have added hardships in military communities across
the country. Many parents are dealing with the burdens of raising
families, while praying for the safe return of a loved one. Our whole
nation respects and appreciates the commitment and sacrifice of our
military families.
Americans are also thinking of the military families that must face
this holiday with sorrow of recent loss. It is the nature of terrorism
that a small number of people can inflict such terrible grief. Every
person who dies in the line of duty commands the special gratitude of
the American people. And the military families that mourn can know
this: our nation will not forget their loved ones, and the sacrifice
they made to protect us all.
The courage of our soldiers and their families show the spirit of
this country in great adversity. And many citizens are showing their
appreciation by helping military families here at home.
Members of the VFW have started an Adopt-A-Unit program, so
veterans and their families can support military units in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Volunteers from a group called Rebuilding Together have
repaired homes for military families while their spouses are deployed.
Citizens interested in finding volunteer opportunities to support
our military should visit the USA Freedom Corps website at
usafreedomcorps.gov.
Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to every member of the United
States military, and to their families. It was a privilege to offer
that gratitude in person to some of our troops serving in Iraq. May
God bless them all, and may He continue to bless the United States of
America.
Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for listening.
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