Some of this has been 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:

“It seems incongruous to wish you a Merry Christmas. Considering where you are, and where we sit, the words "Happy Holiday" are 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 are giving millions people the most wonderful gift of all--The opportunity for freedom. The gift of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

A few years back you gave the Iraqi people their first real elections in their storied history. It was a start.

Though it may not be readily apparent to the Afghan people (democracy didn’t come easy to Japan either), for centuries to come, they, and freedom loving people everywhere, will look back at this Christmas season in awe of all you've done.

War lords will resist it, but today you are giving these people the opportunity to determine their own fate—free from tyranny and oppression.

Today, thanks to the thoughtful leadership of General McChrystal you are providing increased security to a people wracked by war and sectarian violence.

Unfortunately, you are experiencing what Alexander learned 2300 years ago. Tribal alliances shift. Loyalties are fungible. Money talks. Still, all people prefer peace to war.

Afghanis have thousands of years of might making right--of spending lifetimes “avenging” insults. Kicking and screaming, you soldiers are dragging them into an arena which gives them an opportunity to take part in a functioning liberal democracy with all the attendant benefits and inefficiencies therewith.

(They may not want it. They may not be “ready” for it. But history teaches us equal rights, women’s rights, and gender equity are rarely achieved without forceful removal of the patriarchal oppressors).

One thing that eats at us night and day is that it isn't fair. It isn't just that we should have so much while you get by with so little.

But, because you are willing to bear the unbearable, and eat the inedible, we can feast on Christmas delights till our bellies runneth over.

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 are secure and 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.

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

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

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

Because you stand inspection, our kids can sneak off to school without making their beds.
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, wearing clothes that look like everyone else's, 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 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.