Comrades and sisters, service members, veterans and military families, I extend my warmest wishes to you and yours this Christmas.
This time of year offers us the opportunity to share in the spirit of peace, love and happiness. It offers the opportunity to gather with loved ones and friends to celebrate togetherness, and the joy of the holiday. This is undoubtedly, the most wonderful time of the year.
As we go about our celebrations this Christmas, we must give thought to the thousands of America’s finest men and women who are spending this sacred holiday away from their loved ones. They’ve sacrificed this time away from home to ensure that we’re able to enjoy Christmastime in freedom and with peace. Our veterans and service members have truly given us the greatest gift.
Christmas also brings solemn thoughts to those families who've lost loved ones in the line of duty. These fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters are deeply missed, but there is solace in knowing their lives were not lost in vain … for each life lost has contributed greatly to the evolution of America as we know it today: a free nation, a strong nation, the greatest nation on earth.
I wish a very Merry Christmas to all those who have fought to ensure hope and a bright future live on for America.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. God bless.
John W. Stroud
VFW National Commander