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.

[E.G.C.]

Well, Dallas lost to the NY Giants 33-24.

It's cold this morning, Bo is in the house.

My brother from Texas and his family will be up here for a visit after Christmas.

[Canedawg]

Thanks, Kathy.

I’ve lurked here previously, but came out of hiding to give an “Amen”, which is required after the Hebrew prayer.

or, as it is said by the Hebrews, “Ah-mein”.

:-)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thank you for adding the Amen.

[Kathy in Alaska]

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

It Is Well With My Soul

Angel Band

[Kathy in Alaska]

God bless and keep safe our troops worldwide.

Good night.

Statler Brothers ~ How Great Thou Art

[Arrowhead1952]

Thanks Kathy. Have a Blessed Lord’s Day.

[blackie]

Thanks Kathy!!

{{HUGS}}

[Lady Jag]

Time to move to the arctic where global warming is.

We have at least 18” of snow now as the storm enters its third day.

It is gorgeous. I need higher boots.

[Colonial Warrior]

Best Wishes for a Special Holy Day!!

[Lady Jag]

Blessings to you on this beautiful Sunday.

[luvie]

Thou Shalt Know Him
When He Comes

Thou shalt know Him when He comes,
Not by any din of drums,
Nor the vantage of His airs,
Nor by anything He wears;
Neigher by His crown,
Nor His gown,
But His presence known shall be
By the holy harmony
Which His coming makes in thee.

~Anonymous

Ambrosian Men's Choir~The Birth of Jesus

Chris Botti~Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Jim Brickman~What Child is This

Orphei Drangar~How Far Is It To Bethlehem

[E.G.C.]

Sunday music bump.

((HUGS))Good afternoon, LUV W. How's it going?

[luvie]

Hi, there, EGC! Things are going quite well here, though
it is much colder today than yesterday. The sun is shining,
so we can be thankful for that!

How are things up your way? Hope everyone is healthy!

[fanfan]

"

Merry Christmas, Kathy.

[E.G.C.]

Giong OK. It’s a tad cold here this afternoon.

[luvie]

What a handsome pair of FReepers!

Good to SEE you both!

(((hugs))) :D

[luvie]

I am glad all is well.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

A peaceful and Blessed Lords Day to my Canteen family and to our Troops!
Happy Hanukkah to all of our Jewish troops, Freepers and lurkers!
(Like Grammie said!)

[mylife]

Holy cow! is that from today?

[MS.BEHAVIN]

No..
That is from a few years ago.
The trees look just like that right now, however.
I drove home in near white out condtions..
It was awful!