Some of this I’ve said before. But like a traditional Christmas Carol, it feels good to sing it again at this time of year. It’s meant to be a feeble Christmas Card to all the boys and girls, men and women serving abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It seems incongruous to wish you a Merry Christmas. Considering where you
are and where we sit, the words "Happy Holiday" can only be an oxymoron.
How can one be "merry" or "happy", when he or she is in harm's way 24/7?

Because you will be "celebrating" the worst Christmas of your life, my
family and I will be celebrating the greatest.

Here, in the season of giving, you have given 25 million people the most
wonderful gift of all--The gift of freedom. The gift of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness". Sure, it’s not yet perfect, but it’s on it’s way.
Today a zealot can insult the man who gave him his freedom by throwing a shoe at him, and not be tortured or executed for it. Misguided citizens can take to the streets and demonstrate in his name—and know they won’t find themselves jailed for exercising this basic democratic right. American newspapers and citizens can applaud this rude and disrespectful behavior, with no hint of the irony inheirant in their, ignorant, childish words.
We Americans cannot fathom how profound this is. Neither, apparently, can the Iraqis.

For centuries to come, Iraqi's and freedom loving people everywhere will look back at this Christmas season in awe of all you warriors have done and all you have accomplished.

And today, thanks to the thoughtful leadership of General Petraues you have provided increased security to a people wracked by sectarian violence. A few shameless folks say it’s just “temporary.” It’s not temporary. It will last as long as the rule of law prevails and selflish men and women are there to enforce it.
Petreaus applied what Alexander learned 2300 years ago. Alliances shift. Loyalities are fungible. Money talks. Most people prefer peace to war.
He understood that Iraqis have thousands of years of might making right—of spending lifetimes on “revenge.” Kicking and screaming, you soldiers are dragging them into an arena which gives them an opportunity to take part in America’s greatest gift to the world—a functioning liberal democracy with all the attendant benefits and inefficiencies therein.
It eats at us night and day, especially at this time of year, that it isn't fair. It isn't just that we should have so much while you get by with so little.
Yes. These are hard times. Fathers are out of work. Families are being disposed from their homes. Some are going hungry. Everyone is doing with less.
But, because of you, we are safe. We are secure in our homes. We do not fear (yet) the random suicide bomber, nor the psychotic mass murderers who terrorized innocents in Mombai.

Because each of you in Iraq and Afghanistan is willing to bear the unbearable, and eat the inedible, we can feast on Christmas delights till our bellies runneth over our belt buckles.

Americans can sit on beaches in the U.S., worrying about getting sand in their beer, because you are up to your gizzards in sand.

Because you are in danger, we are safe.

Because you are cold at night, we are warm at home.

Because you are scared each day, we live free of fear.

Because your movements are restricted, we are free to travel wherever we
want.

Because you don't get much sleep at night, we can sleep in on Saturday
mornings.

Because you are sleeping alone on a single cot, away from your spouse, I
can cuddle with mine in a warm bed.

Because you carry a gun, we don't have to.

Because you are strong and brave, we can be weak.

Because you are willing to fight and die, we can exist peacefully and live.

Because you are willing to risk your lives arresting terrorists, and
hunting down tyrants, we need not fear others breaking in our doors and
arresting us.

Because you are uncomfortable 24 hours a day, we are comfortable each and
every day.

Because you are willing to take criticism, we can criticize others (even
government officials) without fear of bodily harm.

Because you are willing to travel in an armored convoy, we can hit the open
road and go where whimsy takes us.

Because you are dressed in camouflage, we get to wear brightly colored shirts and our daughters can strut around in the most outrageous outfits.

Because you are able to look evil in the eye and destroy her, we can look strangers on street and welcome them with a smile.

Because you are willing to bring the rule of law and an independent
judiciary to people who have lived without it for centuries, we get to live
in a country where contracts are enforced, and due process is the norm, not
the exception.

Because you are willing to spend a Christmas with meager presents, under a
motley tree in a foreign land, our children can open "too many presents,”
under a fresh green tree in the warmth and comfort of their homes.

Because wishing you a "Merry Christmas" or Happy Holidays rings hollow, we
wish you safety and a quick journey home--back to where you belong in the
arms of a country which values your sacrifices and gifts to the world
Community. Descended from the Greatest Generation--today you are the
greatest. Keep Safe and hurry home. And what the hell. Because it's
tradition, Merry Christmas to you all. Come home soon.




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