Secretary of Defense Sends Holiday Message

[darrels joy]

Secretary of Defense Sends Holiday Message

Special Message from Secretary of Defense Donald H.
Rumsfeld

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As Americans across our land
move toward the holiday season, its message of peace and hope
echoes and re-echoes in our hearts.

And so too the thoughts and prayers of Americans naturally turn
to you -- the men and women of the U.S. military, all who have
volunteered to defend the freedom we all cherish and to advance
the cause of peace.

And that you have done. Indeed, you have done it with
dedication, with courage, and skill -- as events of recent days so
dramatically demonstrate.

Today, thanks to you, some 50 million people in Afghanistan and
Iraq are now sharing the hope of mankind for a future free from
fear. And with the capture of one of the world's most brutal
dictators, that hope burns even brighter.

For that, they -- and we all -- are deeply grateful to you.

We are grateful to all who defend freedom here at home, and to
those stationed far from home, who will be away from family and
friends this holiday season. We're grateful to your families as
well, who also sacrifice so that you can serve our country.

So, on behalf of the president, the Department of Defense, and
the American people, I extend warm wishes for a safe and
happy holiday. May our appreciation and the joy of this season
fill your hearts and remain with you and your loved ones
throughout the new year.

God bless you. Know that you have our heartfelt thanks for all
you do for our country and for the world.

[HARDCORE]

"May God bless all who serve us with honor!!"

VERITAS