[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 52 (Monday, January 1, 1996)]
[Pages 2230-2231]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 USS 
America in the Adriatic; Sergeant William LeBright of the 26th Marine 
Expeditionary Unit on board the USS 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 families 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

[[Page 2231]]

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.