    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [December 24, 1995]
    [Pages 1927-1928]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Christmas Eve Message to United States Troops in Bosnia-Herzegovina
    December 24, 1995

        Merry Christmas, and best wishes to all of you on this Christmas
    Eve. I am honored to speak today to the men and women of Operation Joint
    Endeavor, in Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, and Italy, on ships at sea and
    skies overhead, and those preparing to deploy. I know that all around
    the world Americans who wear our Nation's uniform are listening, and I
    want to wish all of them well, just as I know they wish you well as you
    embark on this historic mission.
        With me today are the families of seven Americans serving in and
    around Bosnia: Lieutenant Colonel Bob Norman of the 621st Air Mobility
    Control Squadron in Tuzla; Command Master Chief Jim Sirles on the U.S.S.
    America in the Adriatic; Sergeant William LeBright of the 26th Marine
    Expeditionary Unit on board the U.S.S. Whidbey Island; Warrant Officer
    Willie Wade with the 586th Assault Bridge Company; Lieutenant Colonel
    O'Malley Smith of the 353d Civil Affairs Group; Sergeant Mark Ackerman
    with the 114th Public Affairs Detachment; and Linda Carsey, an Army
    civilian contract specialist on her way to Tuzla.
        These families here remind us all of the Americans we're sending to
    Bosnia. They're leaving their families behind. And many of them are
    already far from their loved ones this Christmas Eve. I want to extend a
    special greeting to those families today. I know that when we call on
    our troops to protect America's interests and values, we also call on
    their families. Their families' special sacrifice may not make the
    headlines, but we could not be successful without it, for as our troops
    stand up on America's behalf, it is their families who stand behind
    them, who keep them strong with confidence, support, and love.
        These thoughts are especially close in our minds this time of year.
    As Americans come together in this season of peace, we know that you,
    the men and women of Operation Joint Endeavor, are serving on a mission
    of peace, the noblest mission of all. The pride your fami-

    [[Page 1928]]

    lies have in each of you is shared by all your fellow Americans all
    across our Nation.
        Ten days ago in Paris, the Presidents of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia
    signed an agreement that turns their troubled region from war to peace.
    Our Nation has an important interest in seeing that peace take hold for
    the people of Bosnia who have suffered so much for so long; for the
    stability of Europe, which is so crucial to our own stability; and for
    the safer, stronger world we want to leave for our children.
        There is too much at stake in Bosnia today for our Nation to sit on
    the sidelines, and that's why we've turned to you, our men and women in
    uniform. You provide us with the power to meet threats to our security.
    You have the strength to bring hope and stability to people exhausted by
    war. We know and the people of Bosnia know that you will get the job
    done and that you will do it right.
        Each side there wants NATO to help them safeguard the peace they
    have agreed to make and to help them live up to their commitments to one
    another. They trust you to create a secure environment so they can seize
    this chance to rebuild their lives and their land. They see in you how
    much can be achieved when people find strength in their diversity. That
    is the power of America's example.
        I know this will be a demanding mission, but I know, too, that you
    are up to the task. General Joulwan and General Nash have assured me of
    that. And I have seen it for myself. Earlier this month, I visited with
    the men and women of Task Force Eagle in Germany. I saw in them the
    qualities that all of you share, the qualities that have earned our
    Nation the respect and trust of the entire world. Your training,
    equipment, and preparation are unequalled. Your reputation precedes you.
    The most advanced technology protects you. But just as important, you
    are strong in your character. Time and again, without pause or
    complaint, you step forward to serve our Nation.
        In this new era of challenge and change, America's obligation to
    lead for peace and human dignity has remained as important as ever. In
    Bosnia, you, the men and women of our Armed Forces, will bear that
    charge with great honor. You will make the difference between horror and
    hope, between a war that resumes and a peace that takes hold.
        I am proud to be your Commander in Chief and to thank you on behalf
    of your nation. Your mission of peace and good will in Bosnia reminds us
    all what this season is all about for all people everywhere.
        Tomorrow, on Christmas Day, and as long as you are there, Hillary
    and I will have you in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and
    protect you and your families and bring you success and a very safe
    return. And may God bless America, the nation you do so much to serve.

    Note: The message was recorded at 10:13 a.m. in the Oval Office at the
    White House for broadcast at 12:15 p.m. In his remarks, the President
    referred to Maj. Gen. William L. Nash, USA, Commanding General, 1st
    Armored Division.