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.

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

[eyedigress]

Thanks Kathy, This one I had to finish on the radio. The Titans did well. Cold tonite, down to 11.

[RockerMom2MyHero]

Thank you, Kathy! Way to go Ravens!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Helps make up a little for last week. d:o)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good game, eye. Lots of cold places across the country tonight. It is 6 here right now. Really cold for you. Do you have some time off for the holidays?

[Yaelle]

Definitely - good times had by all! First present already broken, the works! More manana! Hugs.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Click the pic for ….

The Berlin Airlift Part 3: Operation Little Vittles

NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.

[Kathy in Alaska]

What a beautiful “tree”, fan!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Beautiful candles, CW....good Lord’s Day to you.

[Kathy in Alaska]

That’s a lot of snow. Hope you have ladders into the upstairs.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hi, jaycee....I think I’ve finished mine and errands for my folks and we are ready.

[RockerMom2MyHero]

Yes and especially since the Steelers lost this week! Wrong game guys! LOL

[eyedigress]

I get a couple of weeks. First time in 5 years. Merry Christmas!

[j_tull]

thx for the ping. Good strategy pinging the footballers.