(CNN) - President-elect Barack Obama's holiday radio address pays tribute to troops serving overseas, and to those struggling amid the nation's economic woes.
"In towns and cities across America, there is an empty seat at the dinner table," says Obama. "In distant bases and on ships at sea, our servicemen and women can only wonder at the look on their child's face as they open a gift back home."
(Full text after the jump)
Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama
Holiday Radio Address
December 24, 2008
Good morning. This week, Americans are gathering with family and friends across the country to celebrate the blessings of Christmas and the holiday season.
As we celebrate this joyous time of year, our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who serve our country far from home. Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all, and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries.
Many troops are serving their second, third, or even fourth tour of duty. And we are reminded that they are more than dedicated Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard – they are devoted fathers and mothers; husbands and wives; sons and daughters; sisters and brothers.
This holiday season, their families celebrate with a joy that is muted knowing that a loved one is absent, and sometimes in danger. In towns and cities across America, there is an empty seat at the dinner table; in distant bases and on ships at sea, our servicemen and women can only wonder at the look on their child's face as they open a gift back home.
Our troops and military families have won the respect and gratitude of their broader American family. Michelle and I have them in our prayers this Christmas, and we must all continue to offer them our full support in the weeks and months to come. .
These are also tough times for many Americans struggling in our sluggish economy. As we count the higher blessings of faith and family, we know that millions of Americans don't have a job. Many more are struggling to pay the bills or stay in their homes. From students to seniors, the future seems uncertain.
That is why this season of giving should also be a time to renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship. Now, more than ever, we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans – that I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper. Now, we must all do our part to serve one another; to seek new ideas and new innovation; and to start a new chapter for our great country.
That is the spirit that will guide my Administration in the New Year. If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history, then I know that we can put our people back to work and point our country in a new direction. That is how we will see ourselves through this time of crisis, and reach the promise of a brighter day.
After all, that's what Americans have always done.
232 years ago, when America was newly born as a nation, George Washington and his Army faced impossible odds as they struggled to free themselves from the grip of an empire.
It was Christmas Day – December 25th, 1776 – that they fought through ice and cold to make an improbable crossing of the Delaware River. They caught the enemy off guard, won victories in Trenton and Princeton, and gave new momentum to the beleaguered Army and new hope to the cause of Independence.
Many ages have passed since that first American Christmas. We have crossed many rivers as a people. But the lessons that have carried us through are the same lessons that we celebrate every Christmas season – the same lessons that guide us to this very day: that hope endures, and that a new birth of peace is always possible.
Thank you, and have a wonderful New Year.
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
Happy Holidays everyone. I got my Christmas present early on November 4th, President Elect Obama. Happy and healthy friends and family is the greatest gift. Just remember it doesn't cost a thing to smile and you don't have to pay to laugh.
God Bless America and Merry Christmas
HEAR, HEAR !!!!!!!!!!! And a profound thank you to all our servicemen here and overseas. Any veteran knows just to serve is sacrifice!!!
You too Barack.
Was in the military for 14 years. We are there because we WANT to be
there. And will continue to do so and do whatever our commander in chief asks of us. Get use to it america
The Messiah has spoken...
All kidding aside, that was an inspiring, if not rehearsed speech.
Well Said Mr. President-Elect. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and your family as well. May you enjoy great success in your years to come.
Thank you to President -elect Obama for an articulate, thoughtful, forward -looking Christmas message of hope. A blessed year to all of us in the U.S.
You are welcome... and Merry Christmas!
Amen.
Beautiful message...God Bless American
he is NOT president, YET! He should HOLD on his weekly/holiday/emergency radio address UNTIL after Jan 20th.
as OBAMA quoted on 11/5/08 – "america only have one president a time"..... now he is mispoken, again as alway!
It shows he "SO WHAT".... Watch him careful for next 4 years!
That was very thoughtful Mr President elect. Hope you and your family have a wonderfully blessed and safe Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thanks to you President elect. May God continue to guide and direct you, Vice President elect and your administration. May the God almighty give you wisdom to rule this country. We are grateful to God that he has given us someone like you to bring this country to its glory again.
Your weekly address is very comforting and it gives hope to the future.
May God bless you, your family, Vice President elect and his famiy, your staff, Americans and the rest of the world.
Happy New year to you and your family.
Our President-elect is ready to start on DAY 1. As an American, I cannot wait for a renewed era that starts at the top, and that is the leadership of the president. Cannot wait for January 20, 2009!!!
Thank you Mr. President Elect. Have a wonderful xmas and a happy new year. America it is time to unite. I adopted a family this xmas. What are you doing to be your sisters or brothers keeper?
You can't help but love the guy for doing the right thing(s). If you cannot fathom even trying to let him do his job, just leave him alone. I have found that the people who spread hate usually do not even like themselves.
Merry Christmas to everyone in America. May God continue to give Obama more wisdom like he gave King Solomon.
Obama’s Afghan Troop-Surge Plan May Prove Too Much, Too Late .. by Ken Fireman....
I think the war could have been won had Mahmood not die before the Iraqi invasion. He was the only BRUTAL adn destructive force that could hold the Talibans back. It's too bad he died....
Let's hope all of our brave men & women in uniform are safe at home in the very near future. Obama's words serve to keep me focused on what is important: sacrifice, family and hard work.
President Obama. You and your family have a wonderful Christmas in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. I use to live on the island of Maui. Please take office prior to January so that you and Joe Biden can start to get this horrible mess that this country in into and bring our troops back home. Have a wonderful and warm day, week, vacation, and holiday Jim Hall Kansas City Missouri.
man of the people may God bless his presidency
may god bless obama peace
Merry Christmas Mr. President, your message was felt in my heart.
God Bless you Mr. President and God BLESS our troops. May the Lord keep them safe from harms way and God Bless all their families too who make just as much a sacrifice as our fighting men and women.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!!
Let's also remember that this country was founded on the premise that an all men yearn to be free of the shackles of an oppressive government. Unfortunately, we are heading the wrong way.
Very beautiful address. I am one of the millions of Americans struggling in this economy, but I have to have faith in myself and my Higher Power that things will get better. Happy holidays to all!
Remmeber yourself, in ten years time..... Nobody else will....
I love you Barack Obama.....You are America's savior, What an incredible leader you will be....God bless you and your beautiful family.
God bless America
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah
And for all you right wing wackos...Deal with it, you lost, its our world now!!!
Love you Obama
Well crafted Mr. President (I am dropping the elect thing, as it is obvious the man in the office now is running out the clock and does not care). I look forward to the new year with you running the ship. Give us the guidance we need and we shall do our part. God bless you and God bless us all.
NIce message. I hope everybody has a great Christmas. Times are tough. Be optimistic and it will get better in the future.
Mr. President, you're the man! (Okay, well, with the exception of the Rick Warren thing.)
"After all, that's what Americans have always done." Quote from Obama's message. So, I ask you, where's the hope and change, if all he can say is we will do what we have always done?
GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THEM!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!
I WISH YOU ALL PEACE AND LOVE!!!!
Thanks for honoring them, today
Barack is going down in history as America's greatest presidents. Nations are going to extended themselves to the USA because of him.
To God be the glory for answering the prayers of his children.
obama rocks! love that man. the secret of living is to endure.
This is our guy! Thank you America, for voting this wonderful, smart, gracious man into office!
There is only one Messiah, the Prince of Peace! The new birth of peace comes only with the change of heart that Jesus/Yeshua offers! He is our hope!
Very well put PE Obama, America truly needs to come together in order and to regain the greatness, optimism and ingenuity we all know we are capable of as a nation or suffer the fate of many lost great civilizations
The age of the simple minded and illogical liberal/conservative rancor is no longer acceptable in these tough times.
God Bless you PE Obama and your family this holiday season....God willing under your administration we can get the troops back home where they belong.
My fervent wish for the New Year is that both of the wars we are in can come to an end....Iraq must end soon, too many lives lost and all based on a lie...Afghanistan, maybe harder to to achieve closure, but even that war seems pointless we've been there so long and what have we achieved really!!!
Time for this fighting to stop, no lives are worth it.
You too, Mr. President-Elect!
Thank you, Mr. Obama, for your wonderful words of encouragement for all Americans in this troubled time. We are all anxious to begin a new direction under your guidance. You give us a lot to look forward to in the coming year(s) and it is with this positive hope that makes us all roll up our sleeves and go to work to get America back on the path that we all desire.
Bless you.
LOVE THIS MAN, SO GLAD I VOTED FOR HIM AMD SO HAPPY HE WILL BE OUR 44th President !God bless the Obama Family and Merry Christmas to all And God Bless our troops and their Families!! not just at Christmas but everyday!!
Santa heads for Canada via Asia, Antarctica, Europe: Norad
Global tracking website following Father Christmas's flight path
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 24, 2008 | 11:54 AM ET Comments38Recommend101CBC News
Even the cold and snow that have gripped Canada recently aren't expected to delay Santa Claus's visits to children this holiday season, says Norad, which has locked its satellites on to the bright light of Rudolph's nose.
Santa and his reindeer flew over Asia and the Cacasus mountains on Wednesday afternoon, working their way towards Canada to deliver Christmas presents to children around the world, said Sub.-Lt. David Lavallee, a public affairs spokesman for North American Aerospace Defense Command.
President-elect Barack Obama embodies the hope Americans feel. He is the one to lead all of us into a future filled not only with hard work; it's a future shimmering with the knowledge that we will come through these times to a better world.
I'm struggling BAMA
can I come to Hawaii for Christmas with u
Barack Obama is a good and decent man. He is moderate, intelligent, and thoughtful. He is honest. This time, our country has chosen well. He realizes that we are all accountable for our collective future, so we have to start acting that way. He who has collected the most wealth or posessions, in the end, may not win, and in the struggle to hoard it all, may end up harming all Americans.
The same thing, it appears, applies to nations.
Those of you who don't believe this, I wish you the patience to calm your alarm, because time (and not that much time) will tell.
Best wishes to our First Family for a peaceful holiday, and all grace and courage to face the tough job ahead. And great thanks for stepping up to serve America!
Please end this war so we can bring our brave men and women home again. More diplomacy and less aggression in 2009.
I just love my new President
Have a Wonderful Holiday Mr. President!
I hope Obama's obvious connection to the corruption case with Governor Blago isn't an indication of what the future holds. I wonder if Blago has dirt on Obama?
So I wasted 15mts.... On Feed-Back. Praise Him... Your Mess, Obama!
But you will all be hiding a year from now.... I know this! You???
You have to live in Africa; to know Africa...... You have never set foot on African soil.... Barack Obama is doomed... I will be here next Christmas: you? I don't think so.... You are so protective of this idiot; Obama..,.. Live and Learn.... Don't have me waste my time, if your too Biggoted...
Aw man, I read this and started crying, I couldn't stop as I read it! I know that despite the hell we are going through, we will be okay and will prosper economically and as a nation in the next year. God Bless you and your family Obama! I am truly inspired by this new President!
Well said.
Amen!
This is a remarkable statement coming from our President- elect,and I wish all the success during his tenor in the office.
sounds like a kiss up from someone who has something they are covering up
I welcome his kind words and have shared them with family. Thank you Mr. President-Elect and Lady Obama.
A great address.....I sincerely hope that he DOES follow through and bring GENUINE change to American government long ago hijacked by secretive high financiers like the Bilderbergers and others that make vast wealth by keeping our nation at war around the world, and by making working Americans slave to a new serfdom of unimaginable debt and fiat currency. We have seen the Founding Fathers' dream degenerate into a government of the rich and powerful, by the rich and powerful, and for the rich and powerful, with the rest of us "collateral damage" in their wars of choice and profit, rigged elections in 2000 and 2004, and bailouts of their own with OUR money. Our new president stands on the cusp of history....don't let us down Mr. Obama!
Don't get excited folks; the speech was written by somebody else; Obama is just a talented reader
BarackObama was not Born, in any state of the USA.... He's Black!
The Black's need to Prove their past: even they have to lie.. The first Kenyan, ever to to find their way in this world.... Why did not Kentatta ever get this far.... No it a took a Liar!!!!!
DoJust bring the troops home Mr Obama/ Afghanistan Vietnem x 10. If Atilla the Hund, Alexander the Great, and 100,000 Russian soldiers could not win there, the US cannot gain a military victory either. Just get out of the Mid East altogether – and quickly.
The US and its history of regime change and Mideast policy has been a flop for over 30 years, and it is not going to change.
The US once supported the Shah of Iran against Iraq – how did that work out.
We once supported Iraq against Iran.
We supported Osama Bin Laded (yup, true) in Afghanistan against the Russians.
The names and faces may change, but the Mideast has been embroiled in religious hatred and was for 3,000 years. Just get us out; bring the troops home, and work towards becoming an energy independent country; and tighten Homeland Security.
Happy Holidays to you and your Family, President Elect Obama
This is a remarkable statement coming from our President- elect,and I wish him all the success during his tenor in the office.
Great message to the people of our Great nation. Lets join hands as one people to help OUR new Administration rise above our differances for the better good of ALL. May peace be with us ALL through these troubled times. HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.
Very good. Now let's watch the Obama bashers on here have something negative to say even about this address.
The best to you and your family and the people of the USA as your administration and they face the challenges ahead. I am convinced that you will lead by good example Mr. President-Elect and that having personally felt the brunt of prejuidice you will be able to help bridge some of the divides that are currently rearing their ugly "heads". You will never please all the people all the time, only some of the people some of the time but as long as no one's rights is being trampled through policies/law set, then that will be the best one can do. You showed grace and tolerance throughout your campaign and the election and I know you will do the same as President.
You would almost think Obama was already the president, the way he acts and talks! It is not January 20th yet, Barky. Hold your horses, you'll have 4 years to call the shots.
Beautiful...
that was very well written and i am grateful for president elect obama i as a baby boomer support him and all americans should do so GOD BLESS AMERICA sharon lindsay
Obama cannot solve the economic problems-unemployment and foreclosure rates will rise and the people will soon sour on him--
Next time around he will not have the support of gays and liberals, and consequently he will fall.
Thank you PE Obama. I'm glad we will finally have an intelligent president. It's been 16 years since we had one. I'm sure your message is very enlightening.
God Bless Obama
Its all for show and for personal gain. I do not think he is sincere, nor do I think any President in recent times have been sincere. Anyone that spends almost a billion dollars to get elected, then its more for their ego than to help people.
i think obama's radio address hit just the right tone of hope and inclusiveness. the president-elect talked about the true spirit of this season, in terms that people of all faiths can relate to and embrace. in contrast, it's sad but predictable that dubya's remarks typified the evangelical absolutism that has permeated his disastrous administration. i hope we as a nation learned a lesson from the last 8 years – and that we move on to reclaim our place as a beacon of freedom, democracy, and justice.
I thank God that we have Barack Obama for our President. I feel that the calling America has to be great and lead, can now be implemented. The World is looking to our people as well to step up. Merry and Holy Christmas everyone! Let's go change the world!
GOD BLESS AMERICA.... Today I saw people struggling with smiles on their faces. I had nothing to give to them, except a warm MERRY CHRISTMAS. I felt good in doing it. Our lives will get better if we continue to trust in JESUS CHRIST and PRAY that all of our leaders make a positive commitment in getting AMERICA back on solid ground again !!! I have a great feeling that it will be done soon.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AMERICA and PRESIDENT OBAMA ******
It is really good that Pres elect Obama, has reached out to so many of us. I, as well as many others whether working or unemployed know that it will take awhile before we see the economy make a turnaround. However, with a president who seems to care as much for others as he does his own family, i guess that i can suck it up.
Happy Kwanza Pres
Thanks for the shout
Ps Keep showing those abs!!!
merry christmas america we will sevive
neva regret obama winning, hes the right man to "get er done".....
I supported you, I campaigned for you, I got people registered to vote dor the first time for you, I got some republicans to vote Democrat for the first time in their lvise for you.
I was laid off on OCt. 20 after 10 years on the job. Having an impossible time finding another position. What are you going to do for me?
Who's footing the bill for your estate in Hawaiian while on vacation. Must be nice not to have to worry about money or finding a job!
The hate will commence in 3-2-1.....
Remembers the troops? I guess that's why he's pledged to cut military funding by the 10's of billions. What a pathetic, little pandering snake. He wants to increase military deployment to Afghanistan, yet cut funding? Yeah he's remembering the troops alright.
cool
We will Mr. President. God Bless
Right on brother. You just remember to bring all the troops back in 16 months.as you promise. As far as unemployment as soon as you created those million jobs you promise, than problem solved. Remember you owe us a big favor. We are watching.
President Obama... You are the ONLY good thing that has happened during 2008 and I have personally been through a lot of trying times this year, not to mention what the nation has been through. I actually got a job and had a Wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and I believe it is because you were elected President. I had a part in that cause I campaigned for you and voted for you, but I really believe in Karma and in doing good brings good and you are the good that was brought. I am very hopeful for 2009 and the next 8 years to come and am now sleeping much better knowing you are in charge.
America loves you OBAMA!!
nice message from the president elect.
And I'll bet not one lib is going to criticize him (as they did President Bush) for twice mentioning CHRISTmas, and not once mentioning Kwaanza or Ramadan or Hanukkah, etc, ad nauseum.