FReeper Canteen ~ Presidential 2008 Military Message for Hanukkah ~ Dec 21 2008

The Canteen Crew ^ | December 20, 2008 | Serving the Best Troops and Vets in the WORLD!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Presidential Message

The story of Hanukkah recalls the miraculous victory of a small band of patriots against tyranny, and the oil that burned for eight nights. Through centuries of exile and persecution, Jews have lit the menorah. Each year, they behold its glow with faith in the power of God, and love for His greatest gift -- freedom.

This Hanukkah we celebrate another miraculous victory -- the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. When President Harry Truman led the world in recognizing Israel in May of 1948, many wondered whether the small nation could possibly survive. Yet from the first days of independence, the people of Israel defied dire predictions. With determination and hard work, they turned a rocky desert into fertile soil. They built a thriving democracy, a strong economy, and one of the mightiest military forces on earth. Like the Maccabees, Israel has defended itself bravely against enemies seeking its destruction. And today, Israel is a light unto the nations -- and one of America's closest friends.

This evening, we have the great privilege of celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary and Hanukkah in a very special way. Thanks to the generosity of the Truman Library, we are fortunate to light the menorah presented to President Truman in 1951 as a symbol of friendship by Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.

A decade after President Truman received this gift, he visited Prime Minister Ben-Gurion for one of the last times. As they parted, Ben-Gurion told the President that as a foreigner he could not judge President Truman's place in American history, but the President's courageous decision to recognize the new state of Israel gave him an immortal place in Jewish history. Those words filled the President's eyes with uncharacteristic tears. And later, Ben-Gurion would say he rarely had seen somebody so moved.

And so tonight I'm deeply moved to welcome the grandsons of these two great men -- Clifton Truman Daniel and Yariv Ben-Eliezer -- to light the Truman menorah together.

Laura and I wish all the people of Jewish faith a happy Hanukkah and many joyous Hanukkahs in the years ahead.
Thank you

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam asher kideshanu be-mitzvotav, ve-tzivanu le-hadlik ner shel Hanukah.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who sanctified us by his commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukah.

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam she-asa nisim la-avotenu ba-yamim ha-hem ba-zeman ha-zeh.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu melech ha-olam she-hecheyanu, ve-kiyemanu, ve-higiyanu la-zeman ha-zeh.

Blessed are you, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this season.

[Allegra]

Did you get to meet up with philly in Kuwait?

I did! we had a great time. Here we are:

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

Happy Hanukkah and good Lord's Day to you!

[Kathy in Alaska]

There you are, indeed! ow handsome you are.

Where are you, with carpeted stairs and mosaic (?) behind you?

[Allegra]

Where are you, with carpeted stairs and mosaic (?) behind you?

At the Kuwait City Crowne Plaza, where I was staying. Philly came over that morning and we met at the cappuccino shop and he gave me some items for the Catholic troops here.

We also got a picture by the Christmas tree in that same lobby to post on Christmas Day. However, the lady who was taking the pictures kept messing with my lens settings and that one's rather blurry.

Aw, heck, I'll post it anyway. ;-)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Shorty GiggleLips & the Canteen Kids

[Kathy in Alaska]

Awaiting your Christmas Day post. I’m glad you two were able to meet up.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Troops and Vets, for your service to our country.

Josh Groban ~ You Raise Me Up

Thanks, unique, for the logo.

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Pusterfuss]

Good
Sunday morning Kathy. (-14)

[E.G.C.]

((HUGS))Morning, Kathy. How's it going?

A very pleasant good morning to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT

[E.G.C.]

Morning coffee bump

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Sunday morning, Pusterfuss...((HUGS))...BRRRRRRRRRR!!!! The Society needs an emergency meeting. It’s 5 here. How is retirement practice going? The Piper?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning, E...((HUGS))...how did your teams do yesterday? How are Chuck and Bo doing? Guests?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Welcome Troops, Veterans, Families, and Allies!
God Bless You and Keep You Safe.

Gloria In Excelsis

The Old Rugged Cross

[Kathy in Alaska]

Welcome Troops, Veterans, Families, and Allies!
God Bless You and Keep You Safe.

This Little Light of Mine

Holy, Holy, Holy

[Kathy in Alaska]

Welcome Troops, Veterans, Families, and Allies!
God Bless You and Keep You Safe.

How Can They Live Without Jesus

It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)

[Kathy in Alaska]

From Xerox ~ Let's Say Thanks to our Troops

Simple. Easy. Involve your kids.
We can each send thanks every single day.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.

How about a donut?

Coffee is always on........

Or a sandwich?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Welcome Troops, Veterans, Families, and Allies!
God Bless You and Keep You Safe.

I Love To Tell The Story

Sing Your Praise To The Lord