occasions, celebrations we were not together. so as your commander in chief, i wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, thank you, thank you. it s a poor substitute for what you re missing but i understand i just want you to know how much we care. we re grateful for your courage, your sacrifice. not only your sacrificesacrific. the holidays really bring into sharp focus being apart is a part of the job, but it s a hard part of the job. it s who you guys are. you know, i get criticized for saying this occasionally, but you re the solid steel spine of the nation. you really are. always vigilant, always ready when duty calls, 365 days a year, and during the holiday season as we pray for peace and spread joy and glad tidings we also look for hope towards the possibility of a better year and to give thanks for everything