As Christmas Eve quickly approaches, my heart and mind is filled with excited anticipation. Our daughter, Emily, will be home with us at long last. And our beloved Aunt Nancy from Chicago will be spending the holidays with us as well. It promises to be a wonderfully cherished family time together as we celebrate the birth of Immanuel, the Christ child - God with Us.
One of the many things I enjoy about living here in scenic Kitsap County WA is being part of a very large military community. The Kitsap Peninsula is home to Naval Base Kitsap, comprised of the installations at Bremerton, Bangor, and Keyport, including the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bangor Subase, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.
Having been a proud member myself of the US Navy as a radioman onboard the nuclear ballistic submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN598), I have a special affinity towards those who faithfully and selflessly serve in our armed forces. Especially now, during the Holiday Season.
Regardless of our own personal opinions or attitudes regarding the war in Iraq, we owe a tremendous debt to all the people in uniform who sacrifice so very much to ensure our freedom and liberties. A good many of these vigilant protectors are spending their Christmas holidays far away from home and loved ones, so that the rest of us may have the good fortune to do so.
So to all of those in our Armed Forces who serve our nation with such strong devotion and dedication, a very heartfelt ”Thank You!”
Have a very Merry Christmas, and God Bless Us, everyone!
Â
