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.

[SandRat]

LOL ...

[Brad’s Gramma]

I SAW the snow, not too far from home this past week....I LEARNED to drive in it and did so for MANY years...but it’s BEEN years since I’ve driven in it.

I really miss seeing it...ESPECIALLY during this time of the year...

(Previewing that...DO I win the PRIZE for THE most CAPS in ONE Post PRIZE???) ;) :)

[MoochPooch]

Happy Chanukah, BG!

[MoochPooch]

Happy Chanukah, Kathy!

[Brad’s Gramma]

And to you too, MoochPooch!

I LOVE that screenname! :) :)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Lord's Day to The Mayor family.
Thanks for today's sustenance for body and soul.

Johnny Mathis ~ Greensleeves

[Kirkwood]

Yep. More rest for the broken parts. Felt kind of tired all day for some reason. So I gave in and took a nap, which gave me enough energy to clean up the kitchen and do some laundry tonight.

[Lady Jag]

LOL! Can I borrow your caribou?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Will you be celebrating with family? Friends? Any snow?

[Kathy in Alaska]

A nap is a good thing, especially with broken parts. Good for you!

[Kathy in Alaska]

But of course!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Lord's Day, fan....

[PERKY2004]

Good evening from central California. As always, visiting the Canteen thread is a bit like settling down for coffee and cookies with a warm and wonderful group of friends. Our Saturday was quite delightful -- we took a short drive up to the mountains so I could "play" with my new Canon camera. It was only partly cloudy and the air was delightfully crisp and clear. Anyway ... here are some photos from today's mini adventure . . .

. . . . . . . . .

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Lord’s Day to you, AZ, and thanks for LeAnn’s Amazing Grace.

[Cindy]

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." -From THE BIBLE: John 3:16-17

Read THE BIBLE Online (Click Here.)

Celebrate CHRISTmas. (Click Here.)

SPURGEON.org - "SPURGEON'S DAILY MEDITATIONS"

BILLY GRAHAM.org: "DAILY DEVOTION with Billy Graham"

PERSECUTION.org

[Cindy]

You’re welcome Brad’s Gramma.

[yorkie]

Thank you Kathy. My grandaughters are Jewish and Hanukkah is a very important time of year for their family. So is Christmas. (Son is Christian). And my first grandaughter’s birthday. All fall on Dec. 25 - Three gifts (from Grammy) on the same day. LOL!

This year, I will be with my son’s family, to celebrate them all: Hanukkah, Christmas AND birthday. It will be a celebration like non other! (Leaving Monday)

[Cindy]

A blessed Lord’s Day to you Kathy.

You’re most welcome.

[yorkie]

Cindy, A VERY Merry Christmas to you and all those who love you! Blessings!

[Cindy]

Thank you Yorkie and a blessed Christmas to you and a peaceful New Year.