And don't forget the troops living in your community . . . When you see a valiant one in uniform, please take a few minutes out of your holiday schedule by walking over and wishing him or her a happy holiday season and God's blessing for serving the USA proudly.

Moreover, those of you who live near a military base could really make a holiday difference for some of the troops who will remain on base during the Christmas period due to various reasons.  (My son was unable to celebrate Christmas at home in his last two years with the Marines.)  Check with your church or other local organizations to see if there is something you can do . . . You can even contact the base to see if there are planned celebrations for the troops by your community.

I also invite you to read my new poem, I Am The One, and USMC Sgt. Aaron Gilbert's poem, THE MARINE, which both illustrate why our troops deserve our unyielding support, thanks, and praise.  (There are many more poems and articles at USA Patriotism! that are worth reading for the same reasons.)

Wishing you, your loved ones, along with all our brave troops and their families a very safe and happy holiday season!