For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 22, 2001
Radio Address by the President to the Nation
Listen to the President's Remarks
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week before
Christmas was a busy one in Washington, D.C. Members of
Congress have returned home, with many achievements to show for their
work. Congress passed, and I will soon sign, the most
important education reforms in a generation. We have taken
strong action to support our military, protect our homeland, and make
our airways more secure. The year 2001 also saw the largest
tax relief in two decades.
These achievements bring credit to the Congress, and I'm grateful
for their work. I'm disappointed, however, that the Senate
was not able to pass legislation to get our economy growing again, and
to help workers who have lost their jobs. I'm hopeful that
the positive spirit of bipartisan accomplishment that guided much of
this year's success will prevail when Congress returns early next
year.
Our thoughts in these coming days, however, do not center on public
policy. Millions of Americans will be celebrating Christmas,
marking an ancient birth of an eternal promise of peace on Earth and
goodwill to men. This Christmas comes just months after a
great national loss. We find ourselves appreciating more
than ever the things that matter most -- our families, our friends, and
our faith. We count our blessings, and we remember all those
who feel loss, separation, and need.
For the families that lost a loved one on September the 11th, or in
the fighting in Afghanistan, this will be the first Christmas without a
husband or a wife, or a father or a mother, or son or
daughter. Our nation shares their grief.
Many thousands of our fighting men and women will spend Christmas
far from home, accepting hardship and danger to protect us
all. We are grateful to every military family for the
sacrifice they are making for America. We owe them much.
Our nation is also thankful for the people of every faith, in every
community, who make a special effort this time of year to help
neighbors in need. So many good-hearted Americans are giving
time or money to make sure that there's a hot meal for homeless people,
a Christmas present for disadvantaged children, food for the hungry in
foreign lands, or just a visit to bring comfort to someone who is
lonely or sick.
The year now ending saw a few acts of terrible evil. It
also saw many more acts of courage and kindness and
love. And these reflect the great hope of Christmas -- a
light shines in the darkness, and the darkness shall not overcome it.
Laura and I wish a very joyous holiday to all
Americans. May the peace and goodwill of the season fill
every heart and warm every home. Thank you for listening,
and merry Christmas.
END
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