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.

[Kirkwood]

Call me crazy, but I’m leaving tomorrow for the snowy north.

[Lady Jag]

We have one that size, one much smaller, and a couple like-a-dis:

[MS.BEHAVIN]

I wish I could have avoided the cheesecake one of the gals brought to work today..
*sigh*

[gorush]

Help, come quickly!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

How come?
Not in the mood to cook today?

[MS.BEHAVIN]

*HUG*
You okay down dere?

[mylife]

Pretty much.
Oh I went shopping and got a Ham and all that.
But thats for Christmas

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Whatcha gonna eat in der meantime, hmm?

[MS.BEHAVIN]

GEEZ!
It’s -36 up at the Allegash tonight!

[mylife]

Dunno.

I have time to eat out since I am on vacation

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Good for you!
I would have liked to go to a fish fry tonight..
YOM!

[mylife]

Thats almost up in the Yukon!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

It’s a ways up dere for sure!
That is the “real” temp with no wind chill..
BRRR!!

[mylife]

I love a fish fry!

[jaycee]

Thank you for the music, Kathy! Just now getting time to check my pings today! Christmas is creeping on up....hope I finish getting ready~~LOL~~

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Me too!
Pass the tarter sauce, please!

[mylife]

I like malt vinegar. You can have the tartar sauce L0L

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Mmmmm
Some fried clams would be good right now!

[MS.BEHAVIN]

I like em both!
;0)

[mylife]

I could eat dose anytime!
(if I lived on the atlantic)