[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 24]
[Senate]
[Page 33149]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           CHRISTMAS OVERSEAS

  Mr. JOHANNS. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about those 
Nebraskans who will be overseas, in harm's way, this Christmas.
  The job our young men and women in uniform do to protect our safety 
every day is magnificent. I have met with many of these young service 
men and women throughout my years of public service, and I know they 
represent the very best of America. During my time as Governor, it was 
truly an honor to command Nebraska's National Guard forces. They serve 
our country with immense valor, at the risk of their own lives. To 
them, we are all deeply grateful.
  Christmas in wartime has always been a difficult time for troops and 
their families. The contrast is very great between Americans at home 
celebrating holiday cheer, and those on the front lines going about 
their regular day of danger. It is a contrast that we should be mindful 
of this season. I, and many of my fellow Nebraskans, will pause 
tomorrow to give thanks for the sacrifice of our troops, and pray that 
they get home safely. Their mission is just, and they are the most 
capable military in the world. Their presence is missed at this time 
more than any other but our pride, in them and their friends, is even 
greater than our sorrow at their absence.
  So to those Nebraskans who are in harm's way this Christmas, and to 
all American forces, those who serve abroad to protect us here at home, 
I truly thank you. I hope it will be, in some small measure, a comfort 
on Christmas, to know that so many of your friends, family, and fellow 
Americans are safe and secure due to your service, and praying for you.
  So today, as always, I wish you all a safe return, and a very Merry 
Christmas.

                          ____________________