Over 200 years ago men and women who determined that liberty could not be bartered for comfort and convenience took a definitive stand for freedom. Thus, began the American Revolution and the founding of our nation. In every generation since that great pivotal point in history men and women, young and old have answered the call of our nation and acted in duty and loyalty to protect those freedoms so deeply cherished. Now you are the men and women of this generation who will insure our freedom and liberate those who have never known freedom.

During 2008 we will enjoy the benefits of freedom. We will gather with our families. We will celebrate family occasions in a free enterprise economy. We will travel with an assurance of safety and the ability to go anywhere we desire. Our children will take a summer break from the schooling and learning they are free to pursue. We will send letters, cards and emails with messages of love and caring without fear of censorship. We will gather in our churches and worship without fear of imprisonment, persecution or death. Most importantly we will pause to remember those of you who will spend 2008 on foreign soil protecting these liberties. You serve a great legacy that has been a part of every generation of Americans and will be a great legacy for the generations who will follow your example of selfless service and sacrifice. We, the people of your hometowns and states, thank you.

Over 2000 years ago God determined that liberty could not be bartered for comfort and convenience and took a definitive stand for freedom. He sent His son, Jesus, the Christ, to provide a spiritual and eternal freedom that could only be delivered by His intervention in our human history. Christmas is a reminder of that immense, unconditional love of God that desires the freedom of human souls. Your service is characteristic of great men and women who have gone before you into distant lands and it is characteristic of the divine act of God that went before us, out of His glory into the fray of humanity all for the cause of freedom. Again, thank you . . .   and   BLESSINGS TO YOU!